11  memowjiE 


Eldreii  Mnm  (Ubite, 


mtt  iaiiiel  Offora. 


/     f  ' 


Ci^y^^PtaJ    IaMvcZ^^ 


A  MEMORIAL 


TO 


ELDRESS    ANNA    WHITE, 


AND 


ELDER    DANIEL    OFFORD, 


0^ 

By  LEILA  S.  TAYLOR. 


MOUNT   LEBANON,    N.   Y.  r 
NORTH    FAMILY    OF    SHAKERS. 

1912. 


Copyright,  1912, 

BY 

North  Family  of  Shakers. 


ELDRESS  ANNA  WHITE. 


MEMORIAL  OF 
ELDRESS   ANNA   WHITE. 


A  CENTER  of  high  thought  and  pure  living,  exist- 
ing in  America  since  1774,  is  found  in  an  or- 
ganized community,  whose  basic  principle  is  the 
life  of  purity  and  self-sacrifice,  embodying  and 
reflecting  the  Christ-life  and  the  Christ  Spirit.  A  member 
of  this  communistic  order  during  sixty-two  of  her  almost 
eighty  years,  amenable  to  its  discipline,  exemplifying  its 
principles  and  embodying  its  spirit,  ELDRESS  ANNA 
WHITE,  of  Mount  Lebanon,  is  a  worthy  exponent  of 
that  manifestation  of  Divine  Motherhood  known  as 
Shakerism. 

The  White  family  brought  from  Old  to  New  England 
many  of  its  best  elements.  Elder  John  White,  a  parish- 
ioner of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Hooker,  from  Chelmsford, 
Essex  County,  landing  with  his  family  at  Boston,  Septem- 
ber i6th,  1632.  He  settled  on  or  near  the  site  of  Gore 
Hall,  Harvard  University,  served  as  one  of  the  seven 
first  selectmen  of  Cambridge  and  four  years  later  was 
with  the  one  hundred,  who  journeyed  afoot  through  the 
wilderness  to  the  Connecticut  River  and  founded  the  city 
of  Hartford.  At  Hartford,  Hadley,  Northampton  and 
Boston,  Elder  John  White's  judicial  and  religious  ability 
and  leadership  were  wrought  into  the  structure  and  life 
of  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut. 


a  Eldress  Anna  White. 

His  sterling  qualities  were  transmitted  to  his  des- 
cendants, of  whom  four  generations  resided  at  Middle- 
town,  Connecticut.  Calvin,  youngest  son  of  Deacon 
Moses  White,  born  at  Middletown  in  1762,  a  graduate 
of  Yale  University,  married  Phebe  Camp,  daughter  of 
Rachel  and  Capt.  Nathaniel  Camp,  of  Newark,  New  Jer- 
sey. A  Presbyterian  and  then  an  Episcopalian  clergy- 
man, he  finally  embraced  the  Roman  Catholic  faith  and, 
after  the  death  of  his  wife,  studied  for  but  did  not  enter 
its  priesthood.  The  book  "John  White  and  his  Des- 
cendants," Hartford,  i860,  says  of  him:  "A  devoted  and 
accomplished  scholar,  he  was  one  of  the  few  who  loved 
and  thoroughly  mastered  the  Hebrew  tongue.  In  politics, 
he  was  a  tory:  and  he  never  failed  to  refer  to  the  war 
of  the  Revolution  as  'the  Rebellion.'  iHe  never  voted 
in  his  life."  He  died  at  the  age  of  ninety,  in  Derby, 
Connecticut,  where  he  had  formerly  ministered  for  many 
years  in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. 

Of  the  seven  sons  of  Calvin  and  Phebe  White,  all 
successful  business  men,  Chandler  was  the  most  widely 
known  as  a  promoter  of  the  Atlantic  Cable,  associated 
with  Cyrus  Field,  President  and  Director  of  the  com- 
pany exploiting  that  enterprise ;  and  a  prominent  member 
of  the  New  York  Chamber  of   Commerce. 

Robert,  the  eldest,  was  born  at  Hanover,  New  Jersey, 
December  ist,  1792.  Inheriting  his  father's  independence 
in  religious  thought,  he  became  known  in  early  manhood 
as  a  "most  estimable  young  Quaker."  On  the  9th  of 
April,  1818,  in  Friends  Meeting,  at  Liberty  Street,  New 
York,  he  was  married  to  Hannah  Gibbs,  of  a  prominent 
Quaker  family.  Daughter  of  Abel  and  Elizabeth  Gibbs, 
her  Quaker  antecedents  date  back  to  the  time  of  William 
Penn.  Born  July  ist,  1795,  Hannah  Gibbs  was  brought 
up  by  an  uncle,  John  Corlies,  also  a  Quaker. 


On  the  Seashorx.  3 

II 

THE  fifth  child  and  youngest  daughter  of  Robert 
and  Hannah  White  was  Anna,  born  January  2lSt, 
1831.  Their  residence,  a  pretty,  white  cottage, 
stood  in  a  large  green  field  at  the  corner  of 
Orange  and  Willow  streets,  Brooklyn.  Anna  nearly  lost 
ihcr  birthright  at  the  very  beginning  of  her  career,  her 
father  first  discovering  faint  signs  of  life  in  the  discarded 
infant  and  coming  to  her  rescue.  A  feeble,  wailing  crea- 
ture, she  made  more  trouble  than  all  the  other  children. 
Her  mother  took  her  to  the  seashore  in  New  Jersey, 
where  she  made  acquaintance  with  old  Ocean  and,  in 
the  arms  of  the  big  man  who  had  her  in  charge,  would 
laugh  and  crow  with  delight  as  the  friendly  waves  dashed 
over  her.  The  Atlantic  became  her  nurse,  entered  into 
her  very  being  and  saved  the  little  one  for  a  long  and 
active  life.  When  Anna  was  two  years  old,  Robert  White 
retired  from  business  and  purchased  a  farm  on  the  New 
Jersey  coast. 

In  the  country  home  at  Shrewsbury,  Anna  and  her 
brother  John,  four  years  younger,  spent  a  happy  child- 
hood. John,  a  handsome,  lovable  lad,  was  quite  unlike 
his  strong-willed,  restless  sister,  but  the  two  children 
were  devoted  to  each  other.  A  frequent  playmate  was 
Eric  Parmley;  another,  a  spruce  little  chap,  was  cousin 
Dick,  son  of  Richard  Mansfield  White.  Better  known 
as  Richard  Grant  White,  cousin  Dick  was  often  at  the 
New  Jersey  farm.  A  donkey.  Jack,  neighbor  Eric's  pony, 
dogs,  cats,  calves,  chickens,  figure  in  the  sports  of  this 
I>eriod,  but  Ocean  was  the  great  playfellow.  Whenever 
a  party  of  guests  visited  the  beach,  intent  on  bathing,  they 
were  astonished  to  see  the  two  children,  who  loved  to 
dart  ahead,  already  bobbing  up  and  down,  far  out  in 
the  surf.  They  attended  school  some  distance  from  home, 
boarding  through  the  week  with  a  Quaker  family  where 
they  received  motherly  care.    "Every  Friday  night,  Fatiier 


4  Eldress  Anna  White. 

would  come  for  us  and  Mother  would  have  an  extra 
good  supper,  generally  of  chicken,  for  us  hungry  chil- 
dren." No  animals  were  killed  on  the  farm,  creatures 
destined  for  food  being  carried  away.  One  day,  walk- 
ing with  her  mother  in  the  city,  Anna  saw  a  wagon- 
load  of  young  calves  and  began  an  inquiry  as  to  their 
destination.  Informed  that  they  were  to  be  converted 
into  veal,  a  favorite  viand,  her  grief  was  extreme  and 
she  expressed  a  determination,  to  which  she  adhered, 
never  to  taste  veal  again. 

In  the  home  was  a  dear  old  grandmother,  Elizabeth 
Gibbs.  It  was  a  great  delight  to  the  mischievous  children 
to  get  grandma  to  spell  her  name, — "E-1-i-izzard-a-b-e-t-h." 
Many  happy  hours  were  spent  by  her  side  and,  at  any 
c^hildish  mishap,  "Now,  child,  what  did  thee  do  that  for?" 
was  her  first  query.  In  the  Shaker  home,  when  Anna 
White  was  approaching  the  years  of  this  aged  grand- 
mother, if  some  impulsive  spirit  had  fallen  into  difficulty, 
how  often  would  she  say,  with  a  twinkle  in  the  keen, 
blue  eyes,  "Now,  child,  what  did  thee  do  that  for?" 

The  oldest  living  son,  for  the  first  child,  Abel,  had 
died  in  infancy,  was  Robert  Cornell,  commonly  called  by 
his  middle  name.  Eight  years  her  senior,  generous  and 
sympathetic,  Brother  Cornell  was  Anna's  protector  and, 
like  her,  was  devoted  to  their  mother.  Born  during  their 
parents'  temporary  residence  in  Birmingham,  England, 
he  came  midway  between  two  sisters.  An  ideal  elder 
sister  to  the  group  of  high-spirited,  affectionate  children, 
Phebe  was  a  second  mother  to  Anna,  helping  the  little 
girl  over  many  a  hard  place.  Rachel,  good,  sensible  and 
kind,  was  very  fond  of  her  little  sister,  who  warmly  re- 
turned her  affection.  A  frequent  member  of  the  family 
was  Aunt  Sarah,  Robert's  only  sister,  a  sweet  and  noble 
woman,  gratefully  remembered. 

As  with  most  children,  in  homes  where  the  Bible  is 
revered  and  loved,  underneath  fun  and  frolic  rose  the 
tide  of  religious  thought  and  feeling.     Trained  to  obey 


Inspiration  FkoH  Lucxbtxa  Motv.  $ 

thdr  parents,  it  is  easy  for  children  to  obey  God.  Loving 
the  law  of  kindness  and  self-sacrifice,  manifested  through 
the  life  of  God-fearing  parents,  it  is  natural  to  recognire 
the  love  of  the  All  Father.  The  blessing  at  table,  the 
hour  of  family  worship,  were  remembered  with  gratitude. 
The  White  Children  attended  Quaker  meeting,  sitting 
through  the  long,  quiet  service  with  what  patience  they 
might.  The  restless  Anna  was  often  comforted  by  the 
broad  lap  of  her  mother,  which  soothed  her  to  slumber 
when  the  tired  head  grew  too  heavy.  But  very  early, 
Anna  took  an  active  interest  in  proceedings,  not  always 
of  the  silent  order.  Lucretia  Mott  was  sometimes  pres- 
ent and,  a  moved  to  speak,  the  child  listened  fascinated. 
One  First  Day,  Anna  heard  Lucretia  Mott  abruptly 
silenced  by  the  guardians  of  Quaker  orthodoxy.  On  the 
way  home,  she  asked, — "Mother,  why  did  they  stop  Lu- 
cretia Mott  from  speaking?"  "Well,  cliild,  what  she 
said  was  not  in  accordance  with  the  ideas  of  the  leaders 
in  meeting." 

"But  why.  Mother,  I  love  to  hear  her  the  best  of  all?" 
"Well,  child,  thee  will  understand  when  thee  is  older." 

It  is  doubtful  if  Anna  White  ever  understood  why  a 
woman  should  be  silenced  in  meeting,  or  why  any  honest 
truth-seeker  should  be  forbidden  to  utter  the  thought 
that  is  in  him.  How  much  that  scene  may  have  influenced 
the  after-life  of  the  little  girl  cannot  be  known,  but  she 
ever  had  a  deep  reverence  for  Lucretia  Mott  and  an  en- 
thusiasm for  freedom  of  thought  and  speech. 

A  Methodist  society  worshipped  in  a  small,  plain 
meeting-house  near  by,  and  Sabbath  evenings,  Anna  and 
John  were  fond  of  attending  Methodist  prayer  meetings. 
The  Millerite  excitement  of  the  early  40's  ran  high  at 
Shrewsbury,  many  of  the  neighbors  abandoning  their 
property,  that  they  might  be  prepared  to  meet  their  Lord. 
Robert  White,  in  his  calm,  benevolent  fashion,  quietly 
bought  up  or  gathered  in  cattle,  horses  and  other  movable 
effects  of  these  excited  people,  and,  when  the  fateful  night 


-6  Eldress  Anna  White. 

had  passed  and  the  bewildered  religionists  returned  to 
their  dismantled  homes,  to  resume  their  wonted  occupa- 
tions, their  Quaker  neighbor  was  at  hand,  restoring  with- 
out charge  animals  and  implements  they  had  thrown 
away.  In  after  years,  Anna  often  related  the  story  of 
that-  night.  She  had  listened  to  the  arguments  and  ex- 
hortations of  devoted  Millerites  in  Methodist  meetings, 
had  heard  the  calm,  sensible  views  of  her  Quaker  parents 
and  friends,  but  a  child's  superstitious  fear  was  inten- 
sified by  a  deep,  black  cloud  which  overspread  the 
heavens, — a.  portent  full  of  dread.  Her  father  was  away, 
she  sat  with  her  mother  on  the  veranda.  '^O'  Mother,  does 
thee  think  the  Millerites  may  be  right,  after  all,  and  the 
end  of  the  world  is  coming?" 

"Nay,  child,"  replied  her  mother,  "it  is  only  a  thunder- 
storm. The  end  of  the  world  is  not  at  hand,  thee  need 
not  fear."  The  tempest  that  followed  was  always  referred 
to  as  the  worst  she  ever  experienced. 

Among  the  neighbors  was  a  Baker  family,  distantly 
related.  In  1844,  Phebe  White  married  George  C.  Baker, 
and  three  years  later  Rachel  married  the  brother,  Joseph, 
while  the  same  day,  Cornell  was  married  to  their  sister, 
Hannah  D.  Baker.  From  the  marriage  of  Phebe  came 
one  of  the  strongest  ties  that  bound  Anna  to  her  home. 
A  little  girl,  named  Hanna,  was  added  to  the  circle,  whom 
Anna  loved  and  petted  with  adoring  devotion. 

A  great  trial  of  her  girlhood  was  that  she  never 
had  a  new  dress.  Quaker  thrift  and  the  excellent  ma- 
terials of  the  time  produced  gowns  of  such  quality  that, 
when  Phebe  and  Rachel  were  through  with  them,  enough 
always  remained  to  make  a  pretty  frock  for  their  little 
sister.  One  day  in  her  sixteenth  year,  her  mother  said, 
"Anna,  if  thee  will  help  me  take  care  of  the  hens  and 
chickens  this  summer,  I  will  give  thee  half  the  profits  and 
thee  can  have  a  new  dress."  Anna  took  hold  of  the 
poultry  business  and  early  and  late  looked  after  her  big 
family  of  chickens  with  such  faithful  care  that  the  biddies 


Off  to  Boahding-School.  7 

were  unusually  prosperous,  and,  in  good  time,  she  had 
the  pleasure  of  buying  a  handsome  silk  dress,  a  piece  of 
which   is   still  cherished  in  her   Shaker  home. 

The  district  school  had  done  its  best  for  the  White 
children  and  Anna  was  sent  with  Rachel  to  a  Friends 
Boarding  School  at  Poughkeepsie,  known  as  the  Mansion 
Square  Seminary  and  presided  over  by  Mr.  William  Gib- 
bons. It  was  her  first  separation  from  home.  A  deathly 
homesickness  took  .possession  of  her,  she  could  not  study, 
she  could  not  eat  nor  sleep.  All  attempts  at  divers'ion, 
reasoning  or  sympathy  failed.  Rachel  was  at  her  wits' 
end,  the  child  was  crying  herself  sick.  At  last,  she  wrote 
home  and  Robert  started  for  Poughkeepsie  and  appeared 
at  Mansion  Square.  Summoned  to  meet  her  father,  Anna 
felt  sure  of  his  sympathy  and  expected  to  be  restored  to 
her  lost  home.  But,  nay!  "Daughter  Anna"  was  treated 
to  a  course  of  paternal  logic,  was  assured  that  she  was 
expected  to  appreciate  the  advantages  offered  her  and 
improve  her  opportunity  for  education  to  the  best  of  her 
ability.  The  crying  stopped  and  the  homesick  child  be- 
came the  eager  student,  her  quick,  inquiring  mind  awaken- 
ing to  the  delights  of  study.  Natural  science,  grammar, 
literature  and  history  were  her  delight.  Her  textbook  in 
astronomy,  a  thin  volume  with  steel  engravings,  published 
in  Boston  in  1838,  is  a  commentary  on  her  neat  and  care- 
ful habits.  Devoid  of  stain  or  wrinkle,  covered  with  brown 
cambric  carefully  stitched  on,  it  bears  the  inscription. 
"Anna  Wliite,  1846."  In  after-life,  she  loved  to  talk  of  this 
science  and  its  wonderful  revealings, — eager  to  learn  of 
each  new  discovery,  each  wider  outlook. 

From  school  routine,  custom  set  her  free  much  earlier 
than  would  happen  to-day.  At  an  age  when  the  modern 
girl  is  entering  upon  her  preparation  for  college  or  uni- 
versity, Anna  returned  to  her  home  in  New  York  City 
and,  in  accordance  with  Quaker  custom,  was  given  her 
choice  of  a  trade.  A  highly  respectable  employment  for 
women  was  tailoring,  and  in  her  eighteenth  year,  under 


9  £u>nfeS8  Anita  Whiic 

th«  guidance  of  a  skilled  tailoress,  Anna,  learned  that 
trade.  She  enjoyed  many  social  advantages.  Their 
home  was  frequented  by  thinkers  and  philanthropists,  its 
doors  open  to  preachers  and  elders  of  the  Quaker  faith. 
Her  quick  sympathies  were  enlisted  in  relief  of  the  dis- 
tress found  in  the  city  and  she  was  trained  in  systematic 
benevolence  by  her  mother,  the  almoner  appointed  by 
the  Quaker  society  to  distribute  relief  to  the  poor  of 
the  church.  Not  only  were  the  suffering  of  her  own 
faith  cared  for  by  the  benevolent  Quakeress,  but  many 
abodes  of  poverty  were  relieved  from  her  own  stores. 
Anna  accompanied  her  mother  on  these  errands  of  mercy 
and  thus  became  familiar  with  the  sadder  side  of  city 
Uf«. 


Ill 


SHAKERISM  early  became  a  factor  in  the  family 
life.  After  the  break  in  the  Quaker  church  in 
1827,  Robert,  a  Hicksite  Quaker,  followed  hi« 
natural  bent  toward  independent  thinking.  Among 
the  people  with  whom  he  dealt  in  his  business  of  hard- 
ware merchant,  he  met  certain  grave,  serious  men,  wear- 
ing a  distinctive  dress  and  noted  for  their  honesty. 
Robert  and  Hannah  often  visited  the  Shakers,  attracted 
by  their  neatness,  simplicity  and  integrity.  When  Anna 
was  six  months  old,  her  parents  stopped  at  Hancock,  on 
their  way  by  carriage  to  Quaker  Quarterly  Meeting  at 
Hudson,  New  York.  An  aged  Shakeress,  known  as 
Mother  Lucy  Miller,  coming  into  the  room,  took  the 
baby  in  her  arms,  exclaiming  in  a  prophetic  manner, 
"This  child  is  an  Israelite  indeed !" 

Robert  became  interested  in  the  Shaker  faith,  whose 
peculiar  tenets,  expounded  by  clear-thinking  leaders,  ap- 
pealed to  him  as  sensible  spiritual  interpretations  of  rtr*- 


Robert  White  a  Convert.  9 

lation.  Finding  therein  the  logical  sequence  to  the  Quaker 
faith  accepted  in  earlier  manhood,  he  became  a  Shaker, 
uniting  with  the  society  at  Hancock,  Massachusetts,  and 
adopting  the  celibate  life,  the  foundation  stone  of  Shaker- 
ism.  To  Hannah  White,  this  action  of  her  husband  was 
the  subversion  of  every  principle  of  right, — the  betrayal 
of  religious  faith.  While  she  honored  his  intellectual 
ability  and  trusted  his  integrity  and  purity  of  purpose, 
she  felt  that  he  had  been  misled  and  deceived.  In  ac- 
cordance with  Shaker  usage,  when  his  wife  could  not 
follow  him,  Robert  did  not  separate  from  her  further 
than  to  adhere  to  the  essential  principles  of  his  faith. 
Hannah  was,  henceforth,  his  sister  in  Christ.  This  re- 
lation was  almost  as  abhorrent  to  her  as  if  he  had 
divorced  her  altogether.  The  grief  and  opposition  aroused 
was  not  allowed  to  cause  an  open  rupture.  Robert  went 
to  his  Shaker  home,  often  visited  by  Hannah  or  the 
children,  then,  returning,  would  spend  an  equal  time  with 
his  family.  He  could  not  countenance  marriage  and  the 
children  were  married  away  from  home,  while  restraint 
in  expressions  of  natural  affection  showed  the  effects  of 
Shaker  discipline. 

He  was  generous  with  his  Shaker  relations,  and,  while 
careful  to  obey  every  requirement  of  the  communistic 
home,  added  many  a  touch  of  comfort  to  its  appointments 
and  enlargement  to  its  industrial  outlook.  He  imported 
the  locust,  valuable  for  posts  and  timber,  planting  groves 
and  lining  highways  with  this  beautiful  tree.  He  did 
much  to  aid  in  publishing  and  distributing  Shaker  litera- 
ture. At  one  time,  he  brought  to  Hancock  three  little 
girls  whom  he  knew,  orphan  children,  who,  growing  up 
in  the  faith,  became  heads  of  the  three  families,  beloved 
and  honored  by  all  who  know  them. 

Anna  and  John  often  visited  at  Hancock,  playing  in 
the  old  bams  and  sunny  fields  as  happily  as  on  their 
New  Jersey  farm.  Anna  gathered  to  the  kind  Shaker 
sisters,  learned  to  love  their  sweet  songs  and  to  enjoy 


lo  Eldkess  Anna  White. 

the  spiritual  meetings,  whose  zeal  and  devotion  awakened 
to  new  life  her  religious  feelings.  Reminiscences  of  aged 
Believers  were  listened  to  and,  little  by  little,  in  the  heart 
of  the  Quaker  girl,  arose  a  love  for  the  Shaker  sister- 
hood, a  thoughtful  weighing  of  two  religious  systems, 
hardly  to  be  looked  for  in  so  young  a  girl,  save  by 
those  who,  underneath  the  winsomeness  of  Anna  White, 
could  read  her  capacity  for  self-denial  and  devotion  to 
truth. 

As  Anna  neared  her  eighteenth  birthday,  Robert  real- 
ized that  the  opposition  among  his  older  children  had 
begun  to  affect  Anna's  feelings.  He  addressed  to  her, 
in  a  long  and  touching  letter,  a  statement  of  his  faith, 
his  generous  plans  of  provision  for  his  family  and  his 
desire  that  she  might  impartially  observe  the  workings 
of  his  faith  in  the  home  of  his  adoption,  opening  his 
father's  heart  in  a  way  that  could  but  appeal  to  her  sense 
of  justice  and  strong  filial  affection.  Its  pages  are  too 
sacred  for  publication,  but  it  contains  these  words,  the 
key  to  a  very  marked  characteristic  of  Anna  White's 
after-life:  "I  covet  for  thee,  my  daughter,  a  glorious 
freedom  from  the  shackles  of  other  people's  opinions,  an 
independence  of  all  save  the  approbation  of  thy  own  con- 
science; breaking  the  bands  of  pride  and  prejudice  and 
acting  as  if  responsible  to  thy  Maker,  conscious  of  His 
presence." 

As  opposition  grew  to  actual  persecution,  Anna's  deep, 
soulful  eyes  became  wells  of  sympathy  and  determination 
in  which  Robert  White  read  the  truth  that  his  youngest 
daughter  alone  of  all  his  family  stood  with  him.  As  her 
leaning  toward  her  father's  faith  became  known,  every 
effort  was  exerted  to  win  her  back.  Her  great  love  for 
her  mother,  for  Phebe  and  Rachel,  for  Cornell  and  John, 
for  the  little  Hanna,  now  a  sweet,  precocious  child  of 
four  years,  were  as  so  many  bands  of  steel  binding  the 
affectionate  girl  to  her  home.  A  bachelor  uncle  on  the 
mother's   side,   possessed  of   large   wealth,   had   already 


Anna  Comes  to  Lebanon.  ii 

designated  his  favorite  niece  as  his  intended  heir.  Now, 
he  proposed,  if  she  would  give  up  her  Shaker  schemes, 
to  settle  a  large  sum  upon  her  at  once,  making  her  in- 
dependent, the  whole  property  to  become  hers  upon  his 
death.  This  offer,  in  her  young  enthusiasm,  she  cast 
beneath   her   feet. 

The  sterner  side  of  Anna  White's  nature,  hitherto 
unknown  even  to  herself,  her  persistent  obedience  to 
conscience,  the  old  Puritan  and  Quaker  in  her,  enabled 
Iher  to  stand  firm,  to  resist  the  entreaty,  over-ride  the 
opposition  and  govern  her  own  deep  feeling.  Visits 
already  paid  to  Hancock  and  New  Lebanon  were  fol- 
lowed by  another  in  her  nineteenth  year,  when  her  father 
took  her  to  four  societies,  that  she  might  judge  for  her- 
self. In  1848  and  1849,  the  battle  seems  to  have  raged 
within  and  without  Anna's  soul,  growing  more  intense 
as  the  crisis  drew  near,  when  her  decision  should  forever 
seal  her  destiny. 

In  the  summer  of  1849,  Anna  came  to  Mount  Lebanon 
as  a  guest  in  the  North  Family,  where  Robert  was  a 
member.  To  the  older  sisters,  she  gathered  at  once  in 
trustful  simplicity,  and  to  a  young  sister,  about  her  own 
age,  the  gentle,  afifectionate  Eliza  Rayson,  she  became 
warmly  attached.  A  large  family,  by  the  name  of 
Greaves,  had  just  come,  seven  brothers  and  one  little 
sister,  delicate  and  sweet,  the  idol  of  them  all.  Upon 
Anna  White's  arrival,  Ann  Maria  Greaves  was  sent  to 
entertain  the  visitor.  The  Elder  Sister,  coming  to  look 
after  her  charges,  inquired  what  they  had  been  talking 
about.  To  her  amusement,  they  frankly  avowed  that  they 
had  been  discussing  the  fashions  in  their  respective  homes. 
She  afterward  told  them  that,  because  of  their  honesty, 
she  felt  sure  she  could  make  Shakers  of  them  both.  The 
friendship  thus  begun  lasted  for  sixty-two  years,  unbroken 
by  separation  or  misunderstanding;  the  "twin  sisters," 
as  they  called  themselves,  devoted  to  each  other,  until  that 
December  morning,  when  Anna,  on  a  bridge  of  early  sun- 


12  Eldress  Anna  White. 

beams,  slipped  away  to  the  other  country.  This  sum- 
mer of  1849,  the  solemnity  of  the  step  before  them  did 
not  weigh  too  heavily  on  their  spirits  for  them  to  enjoy 
the  mirth  that  filled  their  girl  natures  and  innocent  hearts. 
The  beautiful  mountain  home  and  the  attractive  scenes 
occupied  many  hours,  the  three  friends  often  forgetting 
the  dignity  of  their  years  to  romp  together  as  if  chil- 
dren still.  Before  this  visit  ended,  Anna's  choice  was 
made.  Her  decision  is  thus  expressed  in  a  letter  to  her 
father. 

"New  Lebanon,  8  mo.  19th,  1849. 
"To  My  Kind  and  Affectionate  Father: 

"According  to  thy  desire  I  will  now  endeavor  as  far 
as  my  pen  is  able  to  give  thee  an  accurate  accoimt  of 
my  feelings  during  the  few  days  past  in  which  my  soul 
has  been  bowed  down  even  to  the  very  dust  and  my 
spirits  dipped  as  in  the  waters  of  affliction.  I  can  now 
feel  that  thy  prayers  on  my  behalf  have  not  been  put  up 
for  naught,  but  that  they  have  been  answered,  and  in  the 
sincerity  of  my  heart  I  can  say  that  I  thank  my  God  for 
giving  me  such  a  wise  and  good  parent,  who  will  lend  a 
helping  hand  and  encourage  me  to  press  forward  towards 
the  mark  of  my  high  calling,  so  that  I  may  live  day  by 
day  as  I  would  wish  to  die,  and  the  time  has  now  come 
for  me  to  renounce  the  world,  to  give  up  all  the  enjoy- 
ments that  are  in  it  and  live  a  holy  and  pure  life  ac- 
ceptable to  God  and  to  His  holy  Angels.  And  O,  how 
fervently  have  I  prayed  to  Him  to  give  me  power  to 
overcome  all  evil  propensities,  so  that  I  might  devote  all 
my  might  and  strength  in  serving  Him,  now  while  young 
in  life,  for  I  feel  as  though  this  was  the  most  acceptable 
time  ^  of  offering,  and  by  forsaking  the  world,  what 
troubles,  what  afflictions  shall  I  escape! 

"And  He  has  at  last  condescended  to  hearken  to  my 
supplications,  and  by  asking  of  Him  counsel  and  advice 
to  point  out  and  show  me  which  was  the  right  way  where- 


Taught  Iw  a  Drbam.  t$ 

in  I  should  walk,  He  has  granted  my  request  in  the  simili- 
tude of  a  dream.  It  was  this  day  week  between  the  hours 
of  one  and  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  I  was  aroused 
from  a  sound  sleep  by  a  rumbling  sound,  as  of  distant 
thunder,  the  earth  seemed  to  shake  and  tremble  at  its 
approach,  all  had  fled  terrified  and  horror-stricken  at  the 
awful  appearance.  It  threatened  to  sweep  all  before  it, 
yet  still  I  stood  alone  and  unprotected,  trembling,  yet 
dared  not  stir :  but  not  long  did  this  last,  it  gradually  died 
away,  and  in  the  distance  could  be  heard  singing  such 
as  never  was  heard  by  mortal  ear.  O  how  sweet,  how 
melodious  it  was,  as  though  the  whole  company  of  angels 
had  mingled  together  in  one  united  band  and  were  offer- 
ing up  their  sweetest  songs  in  praise  and  thanksgiving 
to  their  holy  patron !  How  inviting  was  the  song,  and 
they  appeared  to  be  beckoning  for  me  to  come  and  join 
with  them.  Still  all  was  invisible,  save  a  light  that  broke 
forth  instantaneously  as  the  singing  ceased.  It  was  not 
the  dazzling  brightness  of  the  sun,  but  a  soft  and  gen- 
tle light  diffusing  itself  around  and  about  the  place  where 
I  was,  and  seemed  to  encircle  me  on  every  side.  Words 
cannot  express  the  happy  feeling  that  I  experienced ;  when 
I  awoke,  a  deep  peace  settled  on  my  mind  and  things 
wore  a  cheerful  aspect,  nothing  dark  and  gloomy  was 
left,  all  had  fled,  leaving  me  in  peace  and  quietness.  I 
distinctly  saw  the  way  which  had  been  so  clearly  mani- 
fested unto  me  to  be  opened,  and  I  am  determined  to 
walk  in  it,  and  nothing  can  hinder  or  turn  me  aside. 
The  world  is  a  blank  to  me,  I  can  leave  all  without  a 
regret.  I  can  never  return  to  it !  Nay,  never !  and 
although  thou  didst  provide  for  me  a  good  home  and  I 
iv^as  blest  with  kind  relations  and  friends,  yet  nothing 
can  induce  me,  for  what  are  they  compared  to  my  gos- 
pel relations?  For  these  I  feel  a  pure,  heavenly,  divine 
love,  such  as  I  never  experienced  before,  and  I  hope 
that  feeling  may  ever  exist  in  time  and  in  eternity.  I 
have  had  a  fair  opportunity  of  judging  for  myself  the 


14  Elprkss  Anka  White. 

principles  and  manners  of  this  'singular  people'  and  tKx 
one  has  ever  influenced  me  in  the  least,  it  is  my  ow;n 
free  choice  and  I  hope  it  is  a  wise  one.  I  can  bear  all 
the  reproaches  that  will  be  cast  upon  me  for  they  will 
be  but  few,  and  would  to  God  they  were  more!  The 
burden  will  be  thrown  I  know  on  thee  more  than  any 
one  else.  And  in  conclusion  I  will!  say,  'Thy  people  shall 
be  my  people  and  thy  God  shall  be  my  God.'  In  bonds 
of  pure  love*  and  affection,  I  remain  as  ever  thy  attadhed 
daughter,  Anna  White." 

Robert  promptly  replied : 

"2nd  day  morning,  8th  mo.  20,  1849. 
"Daughter  Kind  and  Greatly  Beloved: 

"I  am  glad  to  own  the  delig'ht  and  comfort  that  thy 
communication  of  yesterday  has  ministered  to  my  spirit. 
Thankfulness  and  joy  abound  yet  not  without  sympathy 
in  thy  trials.  But  lift  up  thy  heart  to  God  and  thy  head 
in  hope.  He  that  hath  called  thee  will  sustain  thee  in 
every  proving  dispensation.  Remember  that  a  sense  of 
dependence  leads  to  seek  protection,  and  that  even  Jesus 
was  so  stripped  as  to  cry  out  to  God,  'Why  hast  thou 
forsaken  me?'  A  feelingi  of  hunger  and  want  is  begot- 
ten that  we  may  enjoy  the  fullness  of  the  bread  and  waters 
of  life.  Trials  and  temptations  are  permitted  that  we 
may  exercise  our  faith  and  increase  therein.  In  looking 
forward  be  not  anxious,  but  cultivate  faith  and  confidence, 
that  according  to  the  requirements  of  each  day,  so  will 
strength  be  administered.  Seek  not  to  avoid  conflicts,  but 
rather  for  strength  to  meet  and  overcome  in  them.  It 
■  still  feels  to  me  that  I  should  be  willing  for.  thee  to 
look  to  returning  with  Hannah  and  Phebe,  with  the  un- 
derstanding that  thy  feelings  have  become  attached  to 
thy  father's  people  and  the  intention  of  examining  further 
into  the  truths  of  their  profession  and  a  willingness  to 
hear  and  consider  every  objection  that  can  be  brought. 


CAiRE  OF  SmiTUAL  Guides.  tS 

Thlit  in  the  strength  of  Truth  thee  will  be  no  coward, 
btit  as  a  simple  seeker  and  follower  of  it,  thou  wilt 
hot  be  turned  out  of  its  paths.  I  would  have  thee  re- 
Wemher  the  words  of  Isaiah,  'He  that  believeth  shall 
not  make  haste.'  Not  that  thee  should  lag  behind;  but 
evidence  a  considerate,  thoughtful,  prayerful  course, 
Gideon-like,  turn  the  fleece  again  and  again.  I  have  con- 
fidence in  thy  discretion  and  leave  thee  with  my  love 
and  blessing.  Thy  ever  affectionate  father,  Robert 
White,  Jr." 

Anna  complied  with  her  father's  request,  returning 
with  her  mother  and  sister.  Hannah  remarked  to  the 
Elder  Sisters, — "If  Anna  has  made  up  her  mind,  thee 
might  as  well  try  to  move  East  Mountain  as  to  move 
her!"  The  next  month  brought  a  letter,  breathing  the 
love  and  care  of  spiritual  guides,  closing  with  the  words, 
"And  now,  little  one,  we  feel  to  commend  you  to  the 
care  and  keeping  of  Him  who  is  ever  ready  to  hear  the 
cries  of  the  needy  and  keepeth  a  constant  watch  over 
the  tender  lambs  of  His  fold."  A  letter  written  after 
her  return  from  a  visit  at  Watervliet,  reveals  the  work- 
ings of  her  mind. 

"New  York,  loth  mo.   loth,  1849. 

"To  Arabella  Clark  : 

"Dear  Friend — After  I  reached  home  last  week  thy 
lietter  was  handed  to  me  by  Mother,  and  after  reading 
it  I  feel  best  satisfied  to  comply  with  thy  request  to 
write  to  thee,  for  I  desire  to  feel  thankful  for  every 
expression  of  friendly  interest  in  my  welfare.  I  will 
now  inform  thee  that  the  resolution  which  I  have  taken 
(hasty  and  inconsiderate  as  it  may  appear  to  thee  and 
others)  has  by  me  been  a  subject  of  calm  deliberation, 
and  one  which  has  occupied  my  mind  for  some  length  of 
time,   sufficiently   so  to  satisfy   myself  as  to  the  course 


i6  Eldress  Anna  White. 

which  I  intend  pursuing.  I  know  it  is  an  all-important 
step,  but  it  is  one  that  I  have  seriously  reflected  on; 
and  it  is  from  a  sense  of  my  responsibility  to  God  as 
my  Creator  and  my  duty  to  myself  and  parents  that 
I  have  made  this  choice,  and  come  what  may,  I  am  de- 
termined not  to  act  contrary  to  my  conscientious  views 
of  right.  Time  is  swiftly  passing  along  and  how  neces- 
sary is  it  for  every  individual  to  yield  strict  obedience 
to  the  best  light  that  is  given  them,  and  is  it  not  right 
that  every  one  should  have  a  privilege,  who  have  arrived 
at  the  years  of  understanding  and  are  capable  of  judging 
for  themselves,  to  make  a  free  and  independent  use  of 
their  reason  as  regards  matters  of  religion?  Many  may 
think  that  I  have  been  deluded  and  led  away  by  this 
singular  people  who  are  'everywhere  spoken  against' 
Well,  so  be  it!  Let  the  world  say  what  it  may,  I  am 
determined,  unmindful  of  earthly  friends  or  foes,  to  per- 
severe in  the  work,  that  I  am  called  to  labor  in.  All  the 
essential  testimonies  of  early  friends  I  hold  to,  and  will 
strive  to  emulate  their  noble  example  of  patient  suffering 
reproach  and  derision  for  the  truth's  sake. 

"During  the  summer  I  had  an  excellent  opportunity  of 
knowing  and  judging  for  myself  whether  these  really  were 
the  people  they  profess  to  be,  and  I  have  found  it  to  be 
true,  'By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them.'  So  that  judg- 
ing them  by  their  fruits,  I  am  compelled  to  acknowledge 
that  if  God  has  a  people  on  the  face  of  the  earth  these 
are  they,  and  I  long  to  be  gathered  to  them;  but  think 
not  that  I  do  it  without  much  tribulation  of  spirit.  As 
to  my  Mother,  I  never  before  knew  that  I  loved  her  so 
much,  and  my  brothers  and  sisters  never  seemed  more 
near  and  dear  to  me,  so  thee  is  mistaken  if  thee  thinks 
that  ray  love  for  them  has  diminished,  but  it  is  the 
reverse.  I  am  sensible  of  my  obligations  and  duty  to  my 
Mother  and  am  sure  there  is  no  abatement  of  my  affec- 
tions for  her.  With  respect  to  my  Father,  I  would  not 
have  thee   suppose   that   he   has  used  any   influence  to 


Opposition  From  Relatives.  17 

bring    mc   to   his   views,    and   my   confidence   in   him   is 
not  impaired  by  thy  remarks  upon  him. 

"If  thee  wishes  to  be  informed  of  the  principles  of 
the  Society,  thee  will  find  by  candidly  reading  the  books 
I  send  thee  that  the  Scriptures  of  Truth  are  held  by  it 
to  the  fullest  extent  of  thy  recommendations,  and  after 
reading  these  books  I  will  be  glad  to  see  thy  objections 
as  being  contrary  to  the  teachings  of  Christ  and  the 
Apostles. 

"Affectionately  thy  friend, 

"Anna  White." 

To  the  copy  of  this  letter  is  added  in  pencil,  in  her 
handwriting  of  later  years,  "Never  received  an  answer." 
Of  the  final  parting,  it  is  doubtful  if  any  recital  was 
ever  heard,  save  by  her  Elders  in  the  Order  of  the  gospel 
to  which  she  was  called.  Cornell  was  bitter  and  unkind 
to  his  sister  in  her  choice  of  a  religious  life,  regarding 
her  purpose  fanatical,  her  choice  a  needless  cruelty  to 
their  mother  and  her  persistence  a  reprehensible  ob- 
stinacy. Two  only  aside  from  her  father  had  a  good 
word  to  say  for  her.  Her  brother-in-law,  the  genial 
George  Baker,  gave  his  sympathy  to  the  persecuted  girl, 
urging  his  wife  and  the  rest  of  the  family  to  let  her  go 
in  peace.  The  other  was  her  grandfather.  Rev.  Calvin 
White,  who  gave  her  his  blessing  and  approved  her 
choice,  bidding  her  Godspeed. 

Robert  accompanied  Anna  to  her  Shaker  home  and, 
returning,  had  to  meet  the  accumulated  feelings  of  the 
family.  He  writes  to  Anna  that  he  loves  to  think  of 
her  living  in  her  attic  room  with  her  pleasant  companions, 
Rhoda  and  Phebe.  These  were  two  sisters,  older  than 
herself,  and  the  attic  chamber  with  sloping  sides  and  a 
high-studded  end  facing  the  north,  occupied  a  space  now 
lost  in  two  large  rooms.  In  one  letter,  he  says:  "I  have 
taken  thy  plaid  silk  dress  and  put  it  in  my  valise.  I 
looked  for  thy  bonnet,  but  could  not  find  it."     A  letter 


i8  Eldress  Anna  White. 

from  grandfather  Calvin  contains  this  sentiment:  "I  am 
glad  Anna  has  composed  her  mind  on  a  subject  which 
has  given  Hannah  some  anxiety,  and  I  do  not  know 
why  Anna  should  not  have  a  right  to  make  a  choice  of 
life  as  well   as   her   sisters." 

The  date  of  her  entry  into  the  North  Family,  the 
Novitiate  Order  of  the  Shaker  Church,  is  thus  recorded 
by  herself : 

"Anna  White,  Born  ist  mo'th,  21st,  1831.  United 
with  Believers  Tenth  mo'th,  i6th,  1849."  Long  years 
after,  she  gave  expression  to  the  fact  that  she  was  a 
little  disappointed  at  the  time  that  she  had  not  been 
assigned  to  Hancock,  where  her  feelings  were  first 
gathered. 


IV 


AT  the  head  of  the  North  Family,  stood  Elder 
Richard  Bushnell  and  Brother  Frederick  W. 
Evans,  Eldress  Sarah  Smith  and  Sister  Mary 
Antoinette  Doolittle.  The  next  year,  Eldress 
lS«irah  was  released  from  her  position,  returning  to  her 
former  home  in  the  Church  Family,  and  Eldress  An- 
toinette was  appointed  to  the  first  place  with  Sister  Har- 
riet Bullard  as  her  associate. 

Anna  found  a  close  union  to  her  Elders  and  entered 
eagerly  into  the  family  life,  assisting  in  kitchen,  bake- 
room,  dining-room,  laundry  and  ironing-room,  washing 
dishes,  weaving,  spinning,  sewing,  even  milking  the  cows, 
at  that  time  the  regular  task  for  sisters,  night  and  morn- 
ing. There  were  but  few  books,  and  those  of  Shaker 
publication,  the  "Millennial  Church"  and  the  "Second  Ap- 
pearing of  Christ,"  being  the  most  important;  no  papers, 
rarely,  a  newspaper  article  read  aloud  by  the  Elder 
Brother.  Little  time  was  there  for  reading.  Knitting 
was  at  hand  when  the  day's  task  of  spinning,  weaving 


AS      A      VOlXi;     (AMI.. 


Happy  in  Her  New  Life.  19 

or  palmleaf  work  was  completed.  In  place  of  her  father's 
sumptuous  home,  Anna  now  shared  with  from  two  to 
six  others  a  large,  plain,  white-washed  room,  pictureless, 
carpetless  and  without  ornament,  sleeping  two  and  some- 
times three  together. 

Tasks  were  brightened  by  pleasant  conversation,  help- 
ful tales  of  earlier  days  and  by  singing, — the  sweet  songs 
of  Zion,  unlike  any  other  earthly  music.  Anna  loved 
those  songs,  and,  as  she  pared  apples  or  potatoes  in  the 
kitchen,  learned  to  sing  them,  until  the  gift  of  song  des- 
cended upon  herself.  It  was  a  time  of  inspirational  gifts. 
Songs,  received  by  scores  and  hundreds,  were  written 
down  with  the  melody  beneath  in  the  original  Shaker 
musical  notation.  Then,  there  were  the  meetings,  full  of 
strong  testimony  and  alive  with  spiritual  gifts.  Besides 
Sabbath  services,  there  were  meetings  for  singing,  read- 
ing, testimony  or  exercise,  while  a  weekly  union  meet- 
ing cultivated  the  social  element.  It  was  not  a  day  when 
members  did  what  seemed  right  in  their  own  eyes,  or 
proclaimed  their  opinions  to  all  within  the  sound  of  their 
voice.  There  was  a  Lead  in  Zion.  The  law  of  the  Lord 
went  forth  and  the  standard  of  the  Gospel  was  to  be 
followed.  The  Order  of  Ministry  and  Elders  were  the 
anointed  leaders.  Obedience  was  the  keynote  of  the 
Shaker  life,  the  straight  and  narrow  path  to  regenera- 
tion and   redemption. 

That  Anna  was  contented  and  happy  in  her  new  life 
is  shown  by  her  letters.  To  her  father,  she  writes :  "I 
feel  a  continual  increase  of  love  the  longer  I  remain 
with  this  happy  people,  and  I  am  thankful,  yea,  I  am 
sensible  that  it  is  good  for  me  to  be  here,  and  that  I 
have  been  called  to  renounce  the  world  and  the  pleasures 
therein  while  young  in  life.  Words  are  inadequate  to 
express  my  thankfulness  for  the  blessed  privilege  that 
I  now  enjoy  in  worshipping  God  unitedly  with  those  who 
serve  Him,  and  I  have  been  thinking  whether  it  would 
not  be  better  for  me  now  that  I  have  united  myself  to 


ao  Eldress  Anna  White. 

Believers,  to  resign  my  membership  with  Friends,  and 
thereby  save  them  the  unpleasant  business  of  dismissing 
me,  which  they  must  necessarily  do  according  to  disci- 
pline. I  do  not  wish  to  be  a  defaulter  and  I  feel  best 
satisiied  to  send  in  my  resignation.  I  have  written  a 
document  which  I  think  will  answer,  and  will  thee  be  so 
kind  as  to  give  it  to  Sister  Rachel  so  that  she  may  hand 
it  in  to  the  monthly  meeting,  if  she  is  willing  to  do  so? 
It  has  been  an  act  of  my  own  and  I  have  consulted  with 
no  one  upon  the  subject.  Please  give  my  love  to  Mother, 
brothers  and  sisters  and  other  inquiring  friends.  With 
much  love  I  bid  thee  adieu.  Affectionately  thy  daughter, 
Anna  White." 

The  accompanying  letter  of  resignation  was  not  an- 
swered for  six  years,  the  requested  dismissal  being  sent 
in  1855- 

"To  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  New  York. 
"Dear   Friends  : 

"Having  after  due  consideration  united  with  another 
Religious  Society  than  the  one  wherein  I  have  a  birth- 
right, I  think  it  most  proper  to  send  you  my  resignation, 
as  I  wish  to  give  you  no  unnecessary  trouble  on  my  ac- 
count. I  take  this  opportunity  to  express  my  thankful- 
ness for  the  privilege  and  protection  that  have  been  ex- 
tended to  me  while  a  member  with  you,  and  assure  you 
that  I  retain  the  same  regard  for  every  important  testi- 
mony that  Friends  profess  that  ever  I  did. 
I         "I  remain  in  love  your  friend, 

"Anna  White." 

To  her  mother,  she  writes, — "Be  assured,  my  Mother, 
though  hard  and  trying  it  may  now  seem  to  thee,  the 
time  will  come,  either  here  or  in  another  state  of  exist- 
ence, that  thee  will  rejoice  and  be  thankful  that  I  am 
united  to  those  who  die  daily  unto  sin,  and  live  a  pure 
and  holy  life.    I  say  this  for  thy  comfort."    These  words 


QUAXEKISlf   SHAKBN   OOi.  92 

were  speedily  fulfilled,  for,  within  a  year,  her  netkcr 
blessed  her  choice  and  said,  "Thee  gives  me  more  com- 
fort than   all   my  other  children." 

At  the  Head  of  the  Ministry  was  the  venerable  Ruth 
Landon,  successor  of  Mother  Lucy  Wright,  who  had  seen 
and  remembered  Mother  Ann  Lee.  One  day  she  called 
upon  the  North  Family  Elders  and  Anna  was  summoned 
for  introduction  and  inspection.  Eldress  Ruth,  tall,  com- 
manding, with  piercing  black  eyes,  looked  the  young  con- 
vert through  and  through,  as  if  reading  her  very  soul, 
and  uttered  these  encouraging  words,  "Well,  Anna,  if  you 
are  faithful,  I  can  promise  you  all  the  tribulation  you 
are  able  to  endure.  But  you  will  always  have  strength 
given  you  to  bear  it !"  Eldress  Anna  used  to  say,  "I 
have  proved  her  words  true."  Her  father  writes :  "Prirc 
thy  privileges  my  dear  daughter,  to  make  thyself  worthy 
of  them  by  improvement.  Every  temporal  and  spiritual 
good  is  within  thy  reach  if  thou  wilt  but  labor  for  them." 
Anna  found  great  difficulty  in  learning  the  Shaker  dance. 
At  last,  a  sister  said,  "Anna,  don't  you  know  how  to 
skip?"  "Skip,  why,  of  course  I  do!"  "Well,  that  is  all 
there  is  to  it."  She  had  skipped  through  all  her  happy 
outdoor  life,  and  now  the  quick-step  was  turned  to  the 
service  of  God  in  the  exercise  which  Father  Joseph 
Meacham  had  seen  angel  hosts  practicing.  Anna  had 
not  been  with  the  family  long,  when  she  herself  had  a 
quick-song  and  according  to  custom  came  to  her  Eldress, 
singing  and  dancing  the  simple  words.  Eldress  An- 
toinette heard  her  through  and  remarked  with  her 
motherly  smile,  "Well,  Anna,  I  think  the  Quakerism  is 
pretty  well  shaken  out  of  you." 

It  had  been  agreed  that  Anna  should  pay  her  mother 
an  annual  visit,  and  this  she  did,  accompanied  by  an 
older  sister,  for  several  years.  When  she  made  her  first 
visit,  a  farewell  letter  was  given  her,  with  verses  ex- 
pressive of  the  sympathy  and  encouragement  of  her  yoimg 
companions,  in  what  was   felt  to  be  a   time  of  testing. 


1t$  Eldress  Akna  White. 

To  this  letter,  which  was  signed  "Emily  S ,"  she 

replied : 


"New  Lebanon,  June  nth,  1850. 


"Dear  Sister; 


"I  received  your  very  kind  letter  the  day  before  I 
left  home,  and  I  cannot  express  to  you  how  good  it 
seemed  to  me.  I  felt  that  I  needed  the  strength  of  my 
young  sisters  and  when  I  read  your  letter  it  gave  me 
fresh  courage,  and  I  felt  that  I  could  fearlessly  press 
through  every  obstacle  that  might  appear  in  my  path. 
Your  love  was  indeed  a  strength  and  comfort  to  me  as 
was  also  the  love  which  you  gathered  from  those  who 
have  travelled  many  years  in  the  work  of  redemption. 
And  while  with  my  connections  in  the  bustle  and  jar  of 
the  wicked  world,  I  could  feel  the  holy  flowings  of  pure 
gospel  love  in  my  soul,  which  nourished  and  supported 
it  when  temptations  surrounded  me  on  every  hand.  And 
I  feel  thankful  for  that  power  which  was  given  me  to  re- 
sist the  influences  of  those  who  would  gladly  have  called 
me  back  to  dwell  with  them  in  the  haunts  of  the  wicked. 
When  I  think  of  the  sacrifice  that  I  have  made,  it  is  but 
small,  very  small,  compared  to  the  reward  I  have  already 
received;  for  here  have  I  found  in  the  gospel  that  which 
satisfies  my  soul,  and  which  I  know  if  I  am  faithful  will 
prove  an  abiding  treasure  when  the  transient  things  of 
time  are  at  an  end.  And  I  feel  determined  to  unite  with 
you  and  labor  to  prize  my  privilege  more  highly,  to  bear 
the  cross  more  faithfully  and  to  live  day  by  day  as  though 
it  were  the  last,  and  in  doing  this  I  know  that  I  shall 
receive  a  blessing.  And  in  conclusion  I  will  send  my 
thanks  and  best  love  for  every  gospel  grace  which  you 
have  bestowed  upon  me.  I  will  treasure  them  up  and 
labor  for  an  increase,  that  I  may  be  more  worthy  to  re- 
ceive them." 
She  cherished  through  the  years  a  letter  from  Eldress 


Some  Good  Advice.  ^ 

Antoinette,  dated  December  ist,  1850.  "You  will  doubt- 
less, my  young  sister,"  she  writes,  "as  you  travel  along  in 
the  gospel  path,  meet  with  many  things  that  will  try  your 
faith;  but  it  is  a  good  thing  for  us  all  to  remember,  that 
a  Faith  untried  is  uncertain.  The  way  of  redemption  is 
necessarily  the  way  of  the  cross,  and  it  is  requisite  that 
we  all  pass  through  the  furnace  of  affliction  and  be  tried, 
even  as  gold  is  tried,  to  prove  us,  whether  we  will  honor 
and  serve  God  in  adversity  as  well  as  in  prosperity,  and 
give  up  all  to  follow  him,  even  to  our  life.  We  may  for- 
sake father,  mother,  brother  and  sister,  riches,  honor  and 
fame,  easier  than  our  life.  *  *  *  *  It  is  what  we  all  would 
choose,  to  have  our  own  ways,  fix  and  execute  our  own 
plans,  think  our  own  thoughts,  speak  and  act  as  we  please, 
without  dictation.  But  the  gospel  calls  all  its  subjects  to 
pursue  an  entirely  different  course ;  to  receive  the  king- 
dom as  little  children,  all  to  subject  our  wills  and  move 
in  strict  conformity  to  the  Head,  as  members  of  one  liv- 
ing body.  And  I  would  say  to  you.  my  young  friend  and 
sister,  never  flinch  in  the  hour  of  trial ;  be  firm,  be  con- 
stant in  your  duty,  ever  listen  to  the  kind  and  gentle 
monitions  of  conscience,  to  the  still,  small  voice  which 
says,  'This  is  the  way,  walk  ye  in  it!'  and  you  will  be 
guided  safely  through  all  dangers.  *  *  *  *  You  justly  re- 
mark that  tlie  faith  which  you  have  received  in  the  gos- 
pel is  a  gift  of  God  to  \'ou.  T  hope  you  will  ever  regard, 
love  and  cherish  it  as  such.  T  can  unite  with  you  in  thank- 
fulness for  the  gift.  Also  for  the  good  use  you  have  thus 
far  made  of  it.  And  I  hope  you  will  fearlessly  declare  it, 
at  home  or  abroad,  to  friend  or  foe.  May  you  be  a  cheer- 
ful and  fruitful  Zion  traveller!"  The  work  of  Eldress 
Antoinette  in  developing  the  character  and  capabilities  of 
Anna  White  was  not  the  least  of  her  many  noble  achieve- 
ments. 

Anna  did  not  receive  sympathetic  treatment  from  every 
one,  nor  was  she  able  to  read  consistency  in  every  life 


«4  AjNcMfi  Akna  Wxn& 

about  her.  When  balked  by  some  startling  discrepancies 
between  faith  and  practice,  she  went  to  her  Elders,  ask- 
ing, "What  shall  I  think?"  "Think?"  ejaculated  Eldress 
Antoinette,  "Why  put  it  down  to  poor  human  nature, — 
and  do  better  yourself!"  Jealousy  was  not  unknown  and 
one  woman,  in  particular,  who  afterward  left  the  order, 
made  every  effort  to  harass  the  young  beginner.  But 
Anna  ibore  it  calmly  and  was  fond  of  testing  herself,  to 
see  how  much  she  could  stand. 

Her  father  writes, — "The  time  will  come  when  inno- 
cency  and  integrity,  if  but  with  one  talent,  will  weigh 
down  all  the  accumulations  of  this  world's  riches,  the 
attainments  of  science,  literature,  art  and  popularity.  In 
that  hour,  how  happy  will  it  be  for  those  who  have  chosen 
the  simple,  childlike  graces  of  humility  and  truth.  May 
our  portion  be  with  these !" 

Shaker  testimony  was  strong  in  regard  to  relationship 
end  the  necessity  of  making  a  complete  separation  from 
the  natural  to  find  a  union  in  the  spiritual.  Anna  united 
with  all  such  testimony  and,  her  native  energy  now  turned 
in  full  force  upon  the  conquest  of  her  lower  nature,  the 
overcoming  of  wilful,  wayward  tendencies,  and  the  devel- 
opment of  the  spiritual  being,  she  sometimes  went  beyond 
what  the  ideals  of  self-sacrifice  inculcated  by  her  Shaker 
teachers  would  demand.  One  day,  she  threw  into  the  kit- 
chen fire  two  daguerreotypes  of  her  father  and  mother. 
These  sun-pictures,  invented  about  ten  years  before,  were 
rare  and  expensive.  In  her  severity  against  her  natural 
yearnings,  she  burned  them  and  said,  "The  crackle  of 
them  in  the  flames  was  sweet  to  me!"  Some  one  told  the 
Elders  and  they  called  her  and  asked  for  an  explanation. 
"Why,  Anna,"  they  said,  "you  need  not  have  burned  them. 
We  would  have  kept  them  for  you."  "O,  I  did  not  wish 
to  trouble  you  with  them !"  was  her  reply.  The  endurance 
of  whatever  sacrifice  presented  itself  as  useful  or  neces- 
sary was  ever  a  silent  one. 


Joy  in  Her  Work.  iS 

One  day,  she  was  appointed  with  several  others  to  clean 
the  meeting-room.  In  a  row  across  the  wide  room,  each 
scrubbed  a  certain  width  of  board,  and  thus  in  kneeling 
procession  saw  the  white  floor  pass  immaculate  from  their 
hands.  Anna,  tired  of  the  uncomfortable  posture,  finally 
uttered  a  wearied  sigh  of  complaint.  An  older  sister  at 
her  side,  said,  sternly,  "Anna,  anything  is  better  than  the 
fllesh!"  Abashed,  Anna  accepted  the  reproof  and  deter- 
mined never  again  to  utter  complaint  of  hardships  en- 
dured under  the  gospel  gift  of  freedom  from  the  bond- 
age of  the  world.  She  certainly  kept  her  vow.  Few  of 
the  hard  and  disagreeable  tasks  which  fell  to  the  sister- 
hood in  that  day  of  hand  lalxir,  which  could  in  any  way  be 
compassed  by  her,  but  she  accomplished,  often  going  be- 
yond requirements  in  the  thoroughness  of  her  work. 
Though  delicate,  she  had  well-developed  muscles  and  re- 
joiced in  her  strength  of  limb  and  hand.  It  was  a  pleas- 
ant jest,  in  years  when  muscular  exertion  was  no  longer 
expected  of  her,  if  some  one  found  a  weight  heavy,  to 
exclaim,  "Why,  I  can  carry  that  with  one  finger!"  and 
seizing  basket  or  bundle,  off  she  would  trot,  with  quick 
step  and  laughing  glance. 

January  8th,  1854,  is  the  date  of  an  appreciative  letter 
to  her  mother.  She  writes :  "I  have  now  lying  beside 
me  thy  welcome  letter  and  I  feel  to  express  in  words  of 
gratitude  and  thankfulness  the  friendly  and  interested 
feeling  manifested  in  thy  various  communications  to  mc. 
I  can  bring  to  remembrance  the  many  trying  positions 
that  thee  has  been  placed  in,  in  bygone  days,  and  when 
reflecting  with  what  undaunted  courage  and  perseverance 
thee  has  been  able  to  brave  the  storms  that  threatened 
the  destruction  of  thy  little  bark,  and  to  ride  with  Chris- 
tian fortitude  over  the  swelling  waves  of  affliction,  I  can 
see  that  the  beneficent  hand  of  an  All-Wise  Creator  has 
been  and  still  is  extended  to  support  the  feeble  knees 
and   raise   the   drooping   spirits.    As   thy   older   children 


2|^  Eldress  Anna  White. 

were  separasted  from  thee  and  made  their  choice  in  life, 
they  went  with  a  Mother's  blessing.  I  was  left.  Good 
and  evil  were  set  before  me,  and  many  were  the  temp- 
tations and  allurements  which  beset  me  in  that  critical 
period  of  my  life.  I  panted  after  pleasure,  I  sought  for 
enjoyment,  but  found  them  not.  Here,  however,  was  laid 
open  to  my  view  substantial  pleasures  and  pure  enjoy- 
ments, a  heavenly,  spiritual  relation  not  only  to  be  en- 
joyed in  time,  but  through  the  endless  ages  of  eternity. 
And  feeling  desirous  to  be  numbered  with  those  who  can 
say  in  truth,  'Lo,  we  have  forsaken  all  to  follow  thee,'  and 
giving  heed  to  the  still,  small  voice  that  whispered  in  my 
ear,  'This  is  the  way,  walk  thou  in  it,'  I  saw  that  it  would 
give  that  peace  and  comfort  to  my  soul  that  the  world  I 
knew  tould  not  give  nor  take  away.  Thy  feelings  alt  tihat 
time  were  rather  prejudiced  against  Believers,  and  with 
unceasing  efforts  strove  to  save  (as  thee  then  thought) 
thy  erring  child  from  impending  danger.  Though  the 
struggle  at  first  was  severe  and  trying,  yet  from  that  time 
to  the  present  I  feel  that  I  owe  a  debt  of  gratitude  to 
thee  for  the  noble  manner  thee  has  exhibited  and  an  ex- 
ample of  patience  worth  following.  I  am  very  thankful 
that  thy  health  is  improving  though  age  is  fast  approach- 
ing, yet  thee  may  still  live  many  years.  Both  brethren 
and  sisters  very  often  inquire  after  thee,  those  who  know 
of  my  writing  desire  to  be  remembered  to  thee.  Give  my 
kind  love  to  Father  and  say  to  him  I  have  received  his 
letter.  Thee  wanted  to  know  if  we  continued  to  like  the 
sewing-machine.  We  do  like  it  very  much,  I  should  hardly 
know  what  to  do  without  it.  Charlotte  and  Elizaette  both 
send  their  particular  love,  to  which  I  will  add  the  love  of 
thy  affectionate  daughter,  Anna." 

During  the  last  few  years  of  Robert  White's  life,  he  re- 
mained more  with  his  family,  coming  less  frequently  to 
Lebanon,  partly  on  account  of  business  necessities  and  the 
care  of  the  estate.    The  softening  influence  of  the  years 


I 


Loss  OF  A  Father.  27 

and  the  presence  of  his  prattling  grandchildren  wrought  a 
change,  thus  described  by  his  eldest  daughter.  "Father 
shows  an  increased  paternal  interest  for  all  of  us  in  every 
way,  age  calls  it  forth  so  kindly,  that  we  in  our  hearts 
joy  in  the  change  that  has  been  wrought  in  him,  and 
would  fain  forget  much  of  the  past  in  the  bright  sun- 
shine of  the  present.  Grandchildren  climb  his  knee  so 
fearlessly  and  he  joins  so  in  their  merriment  that  I  often 
question  if  it  can  indeed  be  true," — forgetting,  apparently, 
that  a  change  had  also  been  wrought  in  her  own  feelings 
and  manner  toward  him.  A  little  letter  from  eight-year- 
old  Hanna  says, — "I  hope  thee  will  come  to  see  us  this 
summer  at  Woodside."  This  was  the  name  of  the  large 
estate  near  Deal,  New  Jersey,  the  summer  home  of  the 
White  children  and  their  families.  Now  the  property  of 
her  brother  John,  the  adopted  son  of  their  uncle  John  Oor- 
lies,  whose  name  he  bore,  Woodside  would  have  belonged 
to  Anna,  had  she  not  been  disinherited  because  of  her 
adherence  to  her  Shaker  faith. 

In  January,  1856,  at  Woodside,  where  the  family  was 
then  residing,  after  a  few  days  of  slight  indisposition, 
Robert  White,  while  at  breakfast,  suddenly  became  uncon- 
scious and,  after  forty-eight  hours  of  insensibility,  passed 
quietly  away,  at  the  age  of  sixty-four.  It  was  a  severe 
winter,  mails  were  delayed,  telegraph  interrupted,  and 
John  sent  a  letter  to  Anna  by  the  hand  of  a  trusty  messen- 
ger.   Her  journal  reads : 

"Sabbath,  Jan.  13th.  Cold,  icy  winds  with  drifting 
snows  have  been  our  constant  attendants  since  last  Christ- 
mas. To-day,  the  elements  seem  to  be  engaged  in  a  se- 
vere contest,  snow,  hail,  rain  and  wind  all  striving  to  ob- 
tain the  victory. 

"Monday,  14th.  A  letter  from  Sister  Rachel  informing 
of  Father's  indisposition,  it  is  thought  to  be  only  a  slight 
cold.  Elder  Richard  also  received  one  from  him  saying 
that  he  was  quite  feeble.    Snow  continues. 


29  Eldress  Anna  White. 

"Wed.,  i6th.  The  announcement  of  the  sudden  depart- 
ure of  a  loved  parent  to  the  spirit  land  reached  mine  ears 
this  morning  at  an  early  hour,  3  o'clock.  Preston  La  Fetra 
arrived  with  the  news  about  12,  bringing  a  letter  from 
Brother  John  urging  me  to  come  immediately.  What 
feelings  ensued  cannot  be  described  and  can  never  be  for- 
gotten. Eldress  Antoinette  was  to  accompany  me,  which 
was  siome  releasement,  knowing  she  would  feel  as  no  other 
could  feel,  and  sympathize  as  a  mother  in  the  trying  scenes 
before  me.  Left  our  home  at  half-past  5  o'clock  with 
Preston.  A  long  ride  of  fourteen  or  fifteen  miles  through 
snow  drifts  almost  impassable,  with  a  cold  wind  blowing 
from  the  north-west,  we  reached  Chatham  about  10.  Ar- 
rived in  New  York  at  4  P.  M.  and  went  to  Brother  Cor- 
nell's, but  found  the  family  had  gone  to  New  Jersey,  only 
the  servants  and  youngest  child  being  at  home.  After  an 
early  supper  retired  to  rest  but  not  to  sleep,  for  thought 
could  not  be  controlled. 

"Thurs.,  17th.  Gladly  did  I  hail  the  first  gleam  of  morn- 
ing, if  only  for  the  change!  Last  night  it  was  so  long, 
hour  after  hour  passed  away — all  so  dark  before  me — 
though  oft  when  fervidly  engaged  in  solemn  prayer,  a  ray 
of  light  as  if  some  bright-winged  angel  hovered  near, 
whispering  doimfort  to  my  aching  heart  throbbing  within 
me.  And  then  a  thought  would  cheer  me  that  the  prayers 
of  righteous  souls  were  being  sent  toward  the  throne  of 
mercy  and  love  for  me,  poor  child  of  earth,  imparting 
strength  and  blessing.  And  I  was  blest,  for  with  a  tender 
Mother  by  my  side  ever  bestowing  love  and  holy  power, 
T  had  no  cause  to  fear  and  could  bid  defiance  to  the  grim 
powers  of  darkness,  for  all  these  will  never  be  able  to 
shake  my  holy  faith  or  overthrow  the  rock  on  which  my 
feet  are  firmly  established.  We  reached  Port  Monmouth 
about  5  P.  M.  Eighteen  miles  were  yet  to  be  travelled 
before  reaching  Deal,  and  it  was  a  continual  jolt,  jolt,  jolt, 
the  roads  were  miserable  in  the  extreme.  Found  the  family 


To  THE  Last  Resting-Place.  39 

all  Qonvened  in  the  little  sitting-room,  twenty-three,  includ- 
ing ourselves.  It  was  9  o'clock.  We  were  cordially  wel- 
comed and  after  a  light  supper  retired.  I  now  felt  some 
releasement,  knowing  the  feelings  of  the  family,  and  I  was 
soon  wrapped  in  slumber  and  from  slumber  into  a  long, 
deep  sleep. 

"Friday,  i8th.  Very  cold  miorning,  at  11  o'clock  the  fun- 
eral began.  Sat  in  silence  an  hour  and  a  quarter.  Eldress 
Antoinette  preferred  remaining  at  home,  which  we  did. 
Between  forty  and  fifty  sleighs  followed  the  remains  to  the 
last  resting-place.  In  trying  scenes  how  doubly  precious 
is  the  love  of  kindred  souls!  and  I  am  more  and  more 
thankful  for  all  that  I  have  gained  by  this  pure  love, 
made  more  so  through  suffering;  and  how  contemptible 
are  earthly  riches  in  comparison  with  the  durable  riches  of 
the  gospel  gained  by  the  cross  of  Christ  and  self-denial; 
all  things  else  sink  into  insignificance — therefore,  I  will 
glory  in  naught  else. 

"Jan.  2ist.  At  half-past  3  were  on  the  move.  Break- 
fasted with  Joseph  (Baker)  who  accompanied  us  up. 
Phebe,  Rachel  and  John  arose  and  saw  us  comfortably 
seated  in  the  sleigh,  took  leave  of  Mother,  who  bore  up 
under  her  feelings  remarkably  well.  It  was  about  5  when 
we  left  Woodside,  1.20  found  us  in  New  York.  This  even- 
ing we  feasted  on  love  and  union,  and  sweet  it  was,  for 
we  felt  poor  and  needy.  Quite  unexpectedly,  a  number 
of  brethren  from  various  quarters,  hearing  we  were  in 
the  city  and  our  whereabouts,  called  to  see  us,  which  was 
refreshing  to  our  spirits.  To  feel  the  ministration  of  love 
and  strength,  peace  and  gospel  union,  when  weary  in 
spirit  and  drooping  in  heart,  was  more  to  me  than  all  the 
vain  pleasures  and  enjoyments  that  this  world  could  afford, 
and  I  know  that  I  realized  it  as  a  blessing.  Twenty-five 
years  this  very  day  since  first  I  breathed  the  breath  of 
life. 

"Jan.  23rd.    Charles  met  us  at  the  depot  with  a  doublt 


30  Eldress  Anna  White. 

team  and  extra  cloaks,  which  were  very  acceptable.  This 
was  the  worst  part  of  our  journey,  roads  unbroken  and 
snow-drifts  to  excite  our  timidity,  tipping  the  sleigh  first 
one  way  and  then  the  other.  However,  we  were  bound 
home  and  the  thought  inspired  us.  It  was  reached  at  last 
and  with  thankful  hearts.  I  never  was  more  wearied,  and 
so  completely  used  up :  it  seemed  as  if  every  prop  for  my 
support  was  taken  away  and  I  was  left  to  myself, — ^^all  ap- 
peared like  a  wild  dream  and  with  a  bewildered  brain  I 
retired  to  rest.  Elizaette  slept  with  me  in  the  little  garret, 
as  I  felt  unlike  seeing  many  of  the  good  folks  that  night. 

"Jan.  24th.  Rested  and  picked  up  my  journey  things. 
Took  an  inventory  of  Father's  books,  clothing,  etc.,  to 
send  to  Mother  soon.  Still  confused  in  mind.  I  cannot 
think  that  I  am  no  more  to  see  my  Father — even  now,  I 
imagine  that  I  hear  his  step  or  see  his  form — peace  to  his 
spirit!  Much  do  I  owe  to  him  for  his  exemplary  life  and 
the  example  he  set  me — respectful  to  all,  doing  good  and 
aiding  the  poor  and  needy  of  this  world !" 

More  than  a  half  century  later,  a  thinker  and  philan- 
thropist wrote  of  Robert  White, — "It  was  he  who  so  im- 
pressed our  sainted  Theodore  Parker  of  most  blessed 
memory  with  the  reality  of  the  Motherhood  of  God.  May 
his  memory  be  blessed  for  thus  exerting  such  an  influence 
upon  the  grandest  prophet  of  the  century  just  passed!" 

Anna  had  been  appointed  to  care  for  women  visitors 
and  inquirers,  entertained  at  the  second  dwelling,  which 
also  held  the  nurses*  apartments.  The  sister  in  charge, 
she  was  expected  to  sleep  in  the  room  with  guests,  in 
whose  admission  little  care  seems  to  have  been  exercised. 
Once,  she  found  an  insane  woman  with  murderous  ten- 
dencies under  her  charge,  and  watched  and  controlled  her 
through  the  long  night  alone.  Again,  another,  not  much 
better,  whose  rum-bottle  she  discovered  after  the  house 
had  been  closed  for  the  night.  The  bottle  she  took  awiay 
and  the  woman  she  governed  by  her  strong  mental  con- 


Sister  Eunice  Cantrhx.  JI 

trol.  Frequently,  there  were  groups  of  children,  and  often 
one,  two,  or  three  babies  to  be  cared  for.  The  year  1856 
was  marked  by  the  coming  of  many  people,  including  chil- 
dren. March  was  cold  and  stormy.  Visitors  came  and 
went.  After  the  departure  of  one  group,  "Cleaned  up  the 
visitors'  room  for  the  next  gathering.  20th.  My  thoughts 
have  been  in  the  future,  looking  forward  to  the  increase  of 
truth,  to  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  and  of  the  great  neces- 
sity of  being  faithful  in  the  work  of  salvation,  so  that  in 
after  years,  I  can  look  back  with  perfect  satisfaction  upon 
my  gospel  travel." 

Christmas  brought  changes  in  the  Ministry.  She  writes : 
"I  love  and  bless  every  gift  in  Zion,  love  those  who  have 
through  suffering  and  tribulation  kept  the  gospel  for  me. 
I  will  walk  in  their  footsteps." 

"1857,  Dec.  ist.  Death  has  visited  us.  Our  much  loved 
sister  Eunice  (Cantrell)  has  left  us  to  dwell  in  the  land 
of  spirits.  Never  shall  we  behold  her  pleasant  visage,  or 
be  partakers  of  the  good  she  imparted  from  temporal 
labors.  All  shared  in  them  alike.  It  is  very  near  eight 
years  that  she  has  worked  in  the  dairy.  We  shall  miss 
her  much,  because  we  loved  her, — ready  and  willing  to 
perform  any  little  act  of  kindness  to  a  brother  or  sister 
that  lay  in  her  power.  May  she  hover  around  us,  a  guard- 
ian angel,  aiding  and  bestowing  power  to  the  needy  from 
her  bright  home  in  heaven !  Farewell,  dear  sister  in  love, 
may  I  so  live  that  thee  may  greet  and  welcome  me  when  I 
have  finished  my  work  on  earth! 

"Dec.  3rd.  The  funeral  services  were  held.  The  new 
burial  ground  has  been  for  the  first  time  broken  open. 
A  windy,  blustering  day,  and  we  felt  it  much  on  the  moun- 
tain, sang  one  song  and  returned  from  the  solemn  scene, 
praying  that  we  may  be  reconciled  to  the  heav}'  blow.  Sis- 
ter Eunice  is  in  her  forty-seventh  year. 

"Dec.  20th.  A  day  of  fasting  and  prayer.  We  improve 
in  the  yearly  sacrifice.    A  beautiful  day  and  I  rejoice  in  the 


33  Eldress  Anna  White. 

work  of  salvation.  Miay  this  continually  be  the  breathing 
of  my  soul,  that  saving  power  may  be  mine,  that  truth  and 
honesty  may  be  my  guide,  and  that  repentance  may  reach 
the  inmost  recesses  of  the  heart,  washing  and  cleansing 
from  all  sin,  even  the  very  stains  of  sin, — O  good  angels, 
help  me !" 

Before  Christmas,  she  records  the  going  of  Asenath 
Clark,  released  the  year  before  from  the  Ministry.  "A  be- 
loved Mother  in  Israel,  a  tried  and  faithful  soldier  of  the 
Cross,  has  finished  her  work  on  earth,  and,  like  a  sheaf 
of  corn  fully  ripe,  is  gathered  to  her  own  beautiful  man- 
sion with  redeemed  and  purified  souls,  there  to  dwell  for- 
ever. Many  are  the  encouraging  words  she  has  given  me, 
and  I  am  thankful  that  I  have  seen  and  been  owned  and 
blessed  by  her  as  one  of  Mother's  first-born.  Peace  to  thy 
spirit,  so  meek  and  full  of  hope !" 

Anna's  love  of  the  mountains  about  her  Shaker  home 
was  second  only  to  her  love  of  the  sea.  What  it  meant 
to  her  to  give  up  the  blue,  beckoning  waves,  none  but 
herself  ever  knew.  Her  keen  delight  on  the  few  rare  oc- 
casions when  she  visited  the  ocean  is  well  remembered. 
But  she  delighted  in  the  mountains.  In  long  summer  days 
she  and  her  companions  roamed  over  them,  gathering  the 
berries  which  everywhere  grew  abundantly,  garnering  har- 
vests of  beauty,  health  and  inspiration.  In  June,  the  hills 
were  rosy  with  wild  strawberries,  and  for  years  the  sisters 
supplied  the  family  table  with  their  sweet,  spicy  flavor. 
The  land  was  blue  with  violets,  and,  as  long  as  she  was 
able,  each  springtime  found  her  in  some  haunt  of  these 
flowers.  Nutting  in  autumn  was  sometimes  enjoyed,  the 
sisters  having  many  a  happy  day  under  the  care  of  the 
brothers,  as  they  and  the  boys  shook  down  the  brown 
beauties  of  the  autumn  woods.  From  brooks,  spicy  with 
mint,  beautiful  ravines,  flashing  in  foam  from  the  water- 
falls, their  cool,  deep  woods  bright  with  flowers  and  sweet 
with  bird-songs,  from  sunny,  open  pastures  and  rich,  wide 


Elder  Richard  Bushnell.  33 

meadows,  flowed,  year  by  year,  into  her  receptive  nature 
the  tide  of  pure,  glad  inspiration — the  sense  of  the  beauty, 
the  love,  the  goodness  of  God. 

"1858,  May  30th.  Beautiful  is  the  unfolding  of  Nature! 
Lovely  is  creation  adorned  with  rich  blessings  descending 
from  an  All- Wise  Parent!  In  sweet  harmony  let  me  join 
m  praises  and,  thanksgiving,  for  all  created  things  appear 
to  swell  in  gratitude  to  their  Maker.  Then  let  me  not  be 
stupid  or  void  of  feeling,  but  unite  in  simplicity  with  the 
little  birds  of  the  field  and  sing  songs  of  praise,  and  with 
the  frisking  lambs,  innocent  in  their  merry  sports,  dancing 
joyously;  with  the  trees  of  the  wood,  with  every  flower 
and  shrub  bursting  in  gratitude  and  gladness  into  new 
life!     This    is   what   I    want,    new  life,   like   the   spring." 

In  October,  Elder  Richard  Bushnell  was  removed  tem- 
porarily to  the  Ministry.  The  event  calls  forth  these  re- 
flections :  "Through  the  varied  scenes  of  time,  perhaps 
tribulation  more  frequently  visits  the  aibodes  of  Zion  and 
distills  in  the  hearts  of  her  inhabitants  that  sorrow,  that 
g«dly  sorrow,  that  mdteth  the  contrite  and  boweth  low 
the  soul  who  is  given  up  in  simple  obedience  to  the  re- 
quirements of  the  gospel,  than  any  other  one  thing.  Still, 
there  is  comfort  in  sorrow,  in  weeping  and  sighing,  yea, 
more  pleasure  and  enjoyment  to  be  derived  therefrom(if 
the  soul  works  with  God)  than  any  transitory  pleasure, 
however  enticing  or  captivating  to  the  carnal  mind.  The 
followers  of  the  Lamb  can  and  do  rejoice  in  it,  for  to  such 
He  draweth  near  with  healing  in  his  wings,  with  a  staff  of 
support  and  strength,  with  a  iS^pirit  full  of  Truth  and 
Power,  with  a  heart  overflowing  with  love  and  mercy. 
Our  Heavenly  Father  and  Mother  oareth  for  the  tender 
lambs  of  the  fold.  Therefore,  there  is  no  cause  for  fear, 
no  need  of  unreconciliation.  Elder  Richard  wanted  us  to 
look  cheerful,  cheerful.  With  such  examples  of  self-sac- 
rifice as  these,  I  can  but  bless  the  gift,  believe  it  is  of  God, 
and  can  bow  in  reconciliation  to  His  will,  as  made  known 


34  Eldress  Anna  White. 

through  the  holy  Anointed.  Elder  Richard  has  ever  been 
a  Father  to  me,  and  the  precious  words  he  has  uttered, 
so  fraught  with  love,  will  be  treasured  up  with  care  as 
precious  pearls.  Many  a  lesson  of  wisdom  have  I  learned 
by  his  goodly  instructions  and  I  have  striven  to  lay  them 
up  in  an  honest  heart. 

"1859,  Miarch  20th.  The  brethren  have  commenced  opera- 
tions on  the  barn,  are  now  very  busy  sawing,  sat  up  every 
night  this  week.  No  visitors  at  present,  A  good  time  for 
serious  meditation." 

The  big  stone  barn,  then  the  largest  in  the  United  States, 
built  of  loose  stones  gathered  from  fields  close  by,  was 
completed  and  occupied  for  the  first  time  on  March  4th, 
i860. 

"Sabbath,  April  24th,  1859,  is  marked  by  an  event  that 
has  never  happened  before.  At  the  Presbyterian  Meeting- 
house in  the  Valley,  an  invitation  was  given  to  Elder 
Frederick  to  attend  service.  The  invitation  was  accepted 
and  over  thirty  from  the  Shaker  Village  attended." 

"August  8th.  We  have  a  great  privilege  in  meeting  with 
our  dear  gospel  friends  from  Canterbury,  Brother  David 
Parker,  Eldress  Sister  Dorothy  Durgin  and  Sister  Mary 
Whitchor.  We  have  a  lovely  visit  from  them  this  evening, 
or  rather,  a  religious  meeting,  singing,  speaking,  etc.  There 
has  been  a  work  of  God  at  Canterbury — of  humility  and 
repentance,  and  of  these  they  administered,  particularly 
Eldress  Sister.  She  is  one,  I  think,  that  is  wholly  devoted, 
body,  soul  and  spirit,  to  the  gospel.  If  I  can  be  clad  with 
a  garment  of  purity,  of  meekness  and  love,  for  what  more 
can  I  ask?  (Nothing,  for  these  combined  form  the  gospel." 

At  the  close  of  a  wearisome,  heated  month  of  service 
in  the  dining-room,  she  records :  "Aug^ust  29th.  Ended 
the  kitchen  turn.  Sept.  3rd.  Sabbatli.  Went  down  to  the 
sick-room  and  gave  myself  up  to  the  nurses.  Chills  and 
fever  are  prevalent."  Five  days  later,  she  opens  her  jour- 
nal to  record  the  death  by  accident  of  a  worker  on  the  big 


Anna  "Nigh  Unto  Death."  35 

barn.  "A  staging  gave  way,  one  was  killed  and  two  others 
seriously  injured." 

This  was  her  last  entry.  Lx)ng  weeks  followed  of  delir- 
ium and  fever.  Sanitation  was  not  understood,  fifty  years 
ago,  and  fevers,  now  practically  unknown  in  Shaker  homes, 
were  frequent.  Much  had  been  brought  to  bear  upon  the 
devoted  young  sister,  during  her  ten  years  of  Shaker  life, 
severe  trials  from  without  as  well  as  the  difficult  experi- 
ences of  a  young  disciple  within  the  order.  Perhaps  a 
chief  cause  of  the  trouble  was  the  poisoned  atmosphere 
often  breathed  in  the  sleeping-room  shared  with  women 
visitors.  Congestion  of  the  brain  accompanied  the  fever, 
and  a  prolonged  and  violent  hemorrhage  threatened  to  end 
her  life.  A  skillful  physician,  resident  in  the  Society,  took 
charge  of  the  case,  and  to  his  devoted  care  was  largely 
due  the  successful  termination  of  the  illness.  The  beauti- 
ful autumn  weeks,  so  glorious  in  her  mountain  home,  Anna 
lay  nigh  unto  death,  and  after  the  fever  had  subsided, 
weak  as  an  infant,  in  the  tender  care  of  the  nurses.  Her 
family  were  sent  for,  her  mother,  sisters  and  brother  John 
visited  her,  thinking  never  to  see  their  loved  one  again 
on  earth.  Their  sorrow,  deep  and  sincere,  was  equalled 
by  the  grief  that  wrung  the  hearts  of  her  spiritual  kindred, 
whose  love  had  been  gained  by  her  sweet  humility,  her 
loving,  self-sacrificing  spirit.  But,  God  was  good,  and  she 
was  restored.  When,  after  many  weeks,  she  stood  upon 
her  feet,  she  found  herself  utterly  unable  to  walk,  and 
had  to  learn  to  walk,  like  a  little  child. 

On  Christmas  Day  she  resumed  her  journal. 

"O  blessed  day,  in  which  I  live,  the  blessed  cross  to  bear. 
None  other  blessing  do  I  ask,  all  are  supplied  with  care. 
Father  and  Mother  have  I  found,  I  dwell  with  them  each 

day; 
They  are  my  comfort  and  delight,  they're  my  support  and 

stay. 


,  36  Eldress  Anna  White. 

They  feed  me  when  I'm  hungry,  they  clothe  me  when  I'm 
poor, 

Lo,  at  this  fountain  I  will  drink,  yea,  drink  and  thirst  no 

more." 
"Assemble  at  ro  o'clock  with  our  Canaan  friends  for 
meeting.  Beautiful  testimonies  are  delivered.  Many  spoke 
their  faith  and  many  ministering  angels  were  present,  be- 
stowing beautiful  gifts  which  were  improved.  With  thank- 
ful heart  I  caUj  say  that  I  am  able  to  exercise  and  enjoy 
the  worship  of  God  in  a  small  measure.  Had  it  not  been 
for  kind  and  sympathizing  friends,  my  dear  gospel  rela- 
tion, I  should  not  have  sustained  life.  For  some  unknown 
purpose  I  am  permitted  and  privileged  to  remain  awhile 
longer,  thankful  that  I  can  bear  the  cross  and  be  traveling 
farther  and  farther  away  from  a  carnal  nature,  into  the 
purity  of  the  gospel.  May  I  ever  prove  worthy  of  the 
love  and  affection,  the  sympathy  and  interest,  that  have 
been  and  still  are  extended  to  me,  from  kind  fathers  and 
mothers,  brothers  and  sisters.  The  great  debt  of  gratitude 
to  them  I  owe,  and  can  only  be  paid  by  faithful  obedience 
in  being  truly  honest  and  simply  good.  This  I  can  do  and 
will,  all  shall  know,  see  and  feel  where  my  treasure  lies 
and  where  it  is  hid. 

"January  ist.  i860  has  fairly  commenced.  A  happy, 
happy  New  Year,  I  would  wish  all,  happy  in  being  good 
and  doing  good.  I  will  with  the  year  set  out  anew  and 
find  a  permanent  increase.  Had  a  song  this  morning,  'I 
hear  a  Voice.'  The  gift  of  songs  is  a  beautiful  gift, 
which  I  desire  to  prize  greatly  and  be  more  thankful  for 
the  measure  I  have." 

Anna  White's  gift  of  song  was  truly  a  beautiful  one. 
Songs  and  hymns,  throbbing  with  spiritual  life  and  love, 
redolent  of  the  sweet  airs  of  the  heavens  in  which  her 
spirit  dwelt,  are  found  here  and  there  in  the  printed  vol- 
umes, in  books  of  manuscript  melodies  and  in  the  mem- 
ories of  the  few  who  remain  of  her  early  associates.  Never 


Willing  to  Obey.  37 

regarding  herself  as  a  singer,  her  rich,  sweet  voice,  full  of 
the  power  of  the  Spirit,  added  beauty  and  strength  to  the 
united  tones  of  family  and  society,  while  her  memory  was 
alive  with  song. 


VI 


HER  appointment  to   the  Elders'   Order,   in    1865, 
upon  the  transfer  of  Eldress  Harriet  Bullard  to 
Watervliet,  was  a  most  unwelcome  surprise.    To 
her    remonstrance,    Eldress    Antoinette    replied, 
"Well,  Anna,  you  can  obey  me,  can't  you?    You  are  pretty 
good  at  obeying." 

The  sisters  tell  of  her  that  after  the  interview,  she  re- 
treated to  the  kitchen,  retired  behind  the  stove,  and  sat 
down  'on  a  bench  against  the  wall,  with  face  hidden  in  her 
hands  and  elbows  on  her  knees.  "What  is  the  matter, 
Anna?"  was  asked.  No  answer.  At  last,  some  one  drew 
out  the  tearful  reply,  "You  are  all  so  much  older  and 
wiser  than  I  am!"  They  lovingly  assured  her  that  she 
had  their  union  and  blessing  in  the  call.  As  associate  El- 
dress, she  had  especial  care  of  the  girls,  and,  with  her 
great  love  for  >'<5ung  people,  she  was  very  gifted  in  the 
gathering  of  young  sisters,  the  development  of  their  char- 
acters   and    the   nurture    of   their   spiritual    life. 

In  a  letter  to  the  Ministry,  after  nineteen  years'  ex- 
perience, she  says : — "Theories  are  good  in  their  place  and 
knowledge  of  divine  things  is  necessary,  but  I  would 
rather  be  void  of  this  knowledge,  unless  I  can  put  into 
practice  the  benefits  derived  therefrom.  It  was  this  beauti- 
ful practical  religion  of  Believers  that  attracted  me  to 
them.  And  from  that  time  to  this,  I  have  grown  stronger 
in  the  faith  of  practical  works.  I  see  the  result  of  it  upon 
individuals  who  are  working  out  their  salvation.  They 
are  the  salt  of  the  earth — Saviors — their  bearing  in  every 


38  Eldrbss  Anna  Wmite. 

way  denotes  the  purity  of  their  lives  and  their  counten- 
ances reflect  the  image  of  our  Heavenly  Father  and  Mo- 
ther. Such  I  would  become,  to  have  my  Father's  and 
•Mother's  name  written  upon  my  forehead — stamped  upon 
my  character." 

A  cherished  bundle  of  home  letters  tells  of  changes 
that  left  but  two  of  the  circle  surrounding  her  youth. 
Phebe's  loving  letters  grow  fewer,  consumption  had  seized 
upon  her.  John,  whose  health  had  begun  to  fail,  spent  a 
year  in  Europe,  hoping  for  recovery.  A  graduate  of  Har- 
vard, he  had  been  a  student  under  Professor  Agassiz,  to 
whom  he  was  warmly  attached.  The  last  letter  from  her 
mother,  dated  in  October,  1871,  was  written  from  Rachel's 
home  in  Orange,  New  Jersey,  inviting  Anna  to  visit  them. 
In  July,  1872,  Rachel  writes  of  the  sudden  death,  by  hem- 
orrhage of  the  lungs,  of  their  brother  John,  who  was 
taken  at  the  home  of  Cornell,  while  alone,  with  only  the 
servants.  The  next  September,  their  mother  passes  away, 
and,  in  the  following  February,  their  sister  Phebe  was 
released  from  suffering. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring  among  her  natural 
kindred.  Shaker  homes  were  astir  with  life  and  energy. 
Sister  Anna  writes  in  March,  1871,  "Spiritual  elements  are 
ripe  and  rife  for  the  truth.  Progress  among  mankind 
really  wonderful,  endorsing  the  leading  principles  that 
constitute  Believers'  testimony.  (Good  angels  speed  the 
work,  good  angels  in  the  body!"  Sister  Anna  was  an 
active  participant  in  a  missionary  movement,  started  at 
Mount  Lebanon,  in  which  other  societies  united,  holding 
conventions  at  central  points,  sometimes  in  connection 
with  Spiritualists  and  Free-thinkers.  In  the  summer  of 
1871,  Elder  Evans,  in  company  with  his  friend  and  ad- 
mirer. Dr.  James  M.  Peebles,  went  on  a  missionary  tour 
to  England.  A  trip  was  made  to  New  York.  "Here  we 
meet  Elder  Frederick.  After  breakfasting,  we  turned  our 
whole  attention  to  him,  saw  some  to  his  clothes,  and  then 


Thiy  Meet  the  Maine  Ministry.  30 

went  with  him  over  to  Jersey  City  to  visit  the  great 
steamer  Atlantic.  We  crowd  into  the  little  stateroom  and 
James  requests  a  song,  'God  is  infinitely  able.'  Something 
gives  way  inside  and  there  is  a  brejikdown.  We  put  to 
again  and  succeed  tolerably  well.  Sing  'A  few  more 
Shadows,'  and  'Pure  Love,'  then  the  adieu.  Burdens  of 
home  gather  about  us  with  the  shadows.  We  pray  as  we 
never  prayed  before." 

"Our  Eastern  Journey,"  by  M.  P.  and  A.  W.  is  a  lively 
story,  full  of  appreciation  and  enjoyment. 

"Thursday  A.M.,  July  loth,  1873.  All  creation  seemed 
lit  with  beauty  on  this  lovely  morning,  and  joy  burst  forth 
from  bird  and  insect.  The  waving  grain,  the  grand  old 
woods  and  fragrant  flowers  seemed  no  less  joyous,  they 
speak  one  language,  harmony  and  love.  But  how  is  it  with 
us?  I  rather  think  there  was  a  blending  of  joy  and  sor- 
row. We  felt  rather  sad  at  leaving  home,  and  the  little 
burdens  that  we  could  have  borne  were  left  for  others 
to  shoulder.  However,  it  was  not  our  own  gift,  and  I 
think  we  united  with  it  pretty  well  upon  the  whole." 

The  sisters  met  the  Maine  Ministry  at  Hancock  and 
journeyed  home  with  them.  At  Boston,  they  met  the  Har- 
vard Ministry,  who  accompanied  them  as  far  as  Portland. 
"We  put  up  at  the  Marlborough  House.  Walk  on  Boston 
C<Jmmon  and  admire  the  Old  Elm,  sing  Shaker  songs  in 
the  parlor.  After  breakfast,  were  conveyed  by  a  coach  to 
the  Portland  boat,  the  N'ew  York,  the  largest  boat  I  was 
ever  on.  A  misty  morning  and  a  rough  passage,  all  the 
sisters  in  the  party  sick,  except  myself. 

"Entering  the  village  of  Alfred  in  the  opposite  direction 
from  what  I  had  expected,  my  points  of  compass  were 
hopelessly  reversed  and  remained  so  during  our  stay.  The 
sun  would  appear  first  in  the  west  in  the  morning  and 
vanish  from  sight  behind  the  eastern  hills  at  night. 

"July  14th.  Elder  John  Vance  took  us  out  riding  around 
the  pond  back  of  the  house, — a  beautiful  sheet  of  water. 


40  Eldress  Anna  White. 

This  is  the  roughest  country  I  ever  saw.  Rock,  rock,  on 
every  side,  fields  of  granite  stone,  yielding  nothing  else. 
The  scenery  is  enchanting,  almost  as  beautiful  as  my  own 
dear  mountain  home.  The  next  day,  go  to  Old  Orchard, 
a  long,  dusty,  but  not  disagreeable  ride  of  twenty  miles. 
Stop  at  Saco  for  an  hour,  improve  the  time  by  taking  a 
good  nap.  As  we  drew  near  the  beach,  we  felt  the  change 
in  the  atmosphere.  O  how  exhilarating!  How  inviting  to 
the  feeble  frame!  Three  angel  faces  greeted  us  with  a 
welcome  ere  we  alighted.  The  dear  Ministry  had  taken 
the  cars  and  arrived  before  us.  These  are  the  angels — 
the  blessed  beings  who  make  earth  a  Paradise.  Pine 
Cottage  is  the  name  of  our  stopping-place.  But  the  first 
thing  is  the  bathing!  Elder  John  comes  to  the  door  with 
a  glass  of  cordial.  We  drink,  we  run,  we  skip  and  jump 
in  our  girlish  glee,  and  forget  all  cares  and  troubles  while 
buried  in  the  sea.  The  beach,  extending  for  miles,  is  as 
smooth  as  a  pebble  and  as  hard  as  a  stone  floor.  Nothing 
can  exceed  the  bathing.  The  waves  do  not  run  quite  as 
high  as  at  Long  Branch,  but  they  are  sufficiently  high  for 
us  little  folks.  Elder  John  takes  us  a  long  way  out,  and, 
as  we  float  on  the  white-crested  billows,  protected  by  his 
strong  arm,  we  think  of  the  ocean  of  life  that  we  are 
breasting  and  of  the  All-Mighty  Arm  that  will  bear  us  up 
and  give  us  strength,  according  to  our  day. 

"Friday,  i8th.  A  cold  north-east  storm  has  reached  us. 
Eldress  Hester  has  the  fire-board  taken  down  and  we  have 
a  fine  crackling  fire  to  warm  us  under  the  July  sun  which 
does  not  shine.  The  mist  rising  from  the  ocean  is  so  dense 
that  we  can  scarcely  see  the  white  caps  from  the  piazza. 
There  can  always  be  joy  and  happiness  emanating  from 
the  heart,  if  that  is  in  right  tune,  and  sunshine  "WJII  gleam 
therefrom,  lighting  up  life's  pilgrimage  with  a  light  out- 
shining the  splendor  of  the  noonday  sun.  Eldress  Hester 
has  enough  goodness  to  save  a  world,  and  my  dear  little 
sister  Margaret  is  rich  in  spiritual  graces,  bright  and  pleas- 


"Our  Be.\utiful  Pleasure  Time."  41 

ant,  though  under  physical  infirmities.  Agreeable  to  our 
faith,  we  put  our  hands  to  work,  a  thing  we  haven't  done 
before,  since  we  left  home.  We  search  the  woodhouse 
and  find  a  rough  board  that  Eldress  Hester  covered  with 
a  shawl  and  I  set  to  work  cutting  out  caps  for  the  Min- 
istry, while  Eldress  Hester  and  M.  P.  work  on  pin  cush- 
ions for  sale.    No  bathing  for  us  to-day." 

They  visit  Gloucester,  where  they  were  joined  by  Brother 
Daniel  Offord.  Again  a  visit  is  paid  to  Old  Orchard  and 
acquaintance  made  with  the  Indians  encamped  there.  A 
trip  is  made  to  Portland  and  she  closes  her  story, — "A 
sail  on  Portland  Harbor !  Nothing  could  exceed  the  scen- 
ery that  lay  before  and  around  us.  Well,  we  get  through, 
have  our  last  meeting  in  the  little  room,  the  last  song  is 
sung  through  tears,  the  last  fond  words  and  the  mournful 
farewell.  Elder  Otis  accompanies  us  to  Portland  and  sees 
us  safe  on  the  magnificent  steamboat.  Arrived  in  Boston, 
rested  at  the  Marlborough  House,  had  a  comfortable  ride 
to  Pittsfield,  were  met  at  the  train  by  Elder  Frederick.  A 
welcome  song  was  sung  while  we  were  at  dinner,  another 
next  morning  at  breakfast.    Thanks  unbounded  to  all !" 

"I  shall  never  forget,"  wrote  Eldress  Mary  Ann  Gilles- 
pie, shortly  after,  "our  beautiful  pleasure  time  in  the 
grove  and  the  welcome  feeling  that  prevailed.  The  very 
atmosphere  seemed  filled  with  purity  and  love." 

The  year  ends  in  bereavement.  In  October,  Elder  Rich- 
ard Bushnell,  who  had  returned  home  a  few  months  before 
passed  peacefully  away,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  His 
beautiful  fatherly  presence  and  his  loving  ministrations 
were  greatly  missed  in  the  circle  he  had  blessed  for  so 
many  years.  In  December,  two  sisters,  tenderly  attached 
and  both  greatly  beloved,  passed  on  very  suddenly,  within 
a.  fortnight  of  each  other — Margaret  Pattison,  Sister  An- 
na's companion  on  the  pleasant  journey  to  Maine,  and 
Rhoda  Oflford,  caretaker  of  the  girls  and  young  sisters, 
a  beautiful  and  gifted  sister  of  thirty- four.    Sister  Anna, 


42  Eldress  Anna  White, 

strongly  attached  to  both,  felt  that  this  last  useful  and 
beautiful  life  could  not  be  spared  and,  with  all  the  mag- 
netic and  spiritual  force  she  possessed,  strove  to  save 
her.  To  such  an  extent  was  her  vitality  poured  into  the 
sinking  life  of  her  younger  sister,  that,  when  the  one 
passed  away,  it  could  hardly  be  told  whether  the  other 
remained  or  had  passed  on  in  company. 

To  Eldress  Antoinette,  while  visiting  at  Canterbury,  she 
writes:  "The  young  sisters  are  working  diligently  and 
determinately,  to  keep  their  watch  and  spy  out  the  enemy 
in  the  distance,  ere  a  closer  combat  ensue.  My  heart  wells 
up  in  love  for  them.  I  yearn  for  their  spiritual  growth, 
and  at  the  same  time  my  own  weakness  and  inability 
creeps  upon  me.  O  how  much  I  need  to  watch  and  pray, 
to  labor  for  the  gift  and  power  of  God — need  a  greater 
portion  of  your  beautiful  gift  and  ministration  to  souls. 
Spent  last  evening  in  labors  with  the  children  and  by 
earnest  working  succeeded  in  reaching  their  understanding 
and  touching  their  little  hearts,  so  that  a  good  work  was 
effected.  Monday  night,  I  dreamed  of  flying,  not  with 
wings  but  by  will  force,  all  the  powers  of  my  being 
were  brought  into  active  operation,  and  to  relax  these  in 
any  degree  was  of  course  descension,  which  created  pain 
and  felt  like  heavy  weights  upon  my  feet.  When  I 
worked,  then  I  was  helped,  and  the  more  I  worked,  the 
more  easy  was  my  flight.  Where  I  went,  I  cannot  say, 
but  caught  a  glimpse  of  you  as  I  ascended,  and  heard 
beautiful  music,  which  awoke  me.  I  think  there  is  a  moral 
to  this  dream. 

"In  my  flight  from  Egypt,  there  was  hard  work  to  be 
done,  and,  when  I  worked,  all  heaven  seemed  to  help  me. 
But,  if  stopping  to  rest  or  to  sleep  upon  enchanted  ground, 
querying  virith  the  enemy,  halting  as  to  which  path  to 
travel,  then  came  the  pain,  like  weights  of  lead  upon  my 
spirit,  and  extra  work  has  to  be  done,  not  only  by  myself 
but  others.   Thus  it  is  with  my  spiritual  travel,  the  more 


The  Practical  Work  of  the  Gospel.  43 

consecration  to  God,  devotedness  to  truth  and  obedience 
to  faith,  producing  practical  works,  the  more  easy  becomes 
the  yoke  and  the  lighter  grows  the  burden.  And  here,  I 
would  renew  my  covenant  with  you  and  all  my  gospel 
relation,  to  come  down  to  the  practical  work  of  the  gospel, 
be  what  I  seem  to  be  and  seem  to  be  what  I  really  am. 
I  believe  this  to  be  the  only  way  that  I  can  ascend  and 
dwell  in  the  angelic  spheres." 

To  another,  she  writes : 

"I  love  you  with  a  love  that  will  never  die  and  that  never 
grows  old,  a  love  that  is  gained  through  similar  efiforts 
to  those  made  by  you,  by  sacrifices  and  devotedness  of 
body  and  soul  to  the  one  cause.  How  beautiful  this  one- 
ness of  spirit,  to  be  living  the  same  life,  baptized  with 
the  same  baptism,  sympathizing  with  one  another  in  like 
trials  and  temptations,  that  at  times  beset  the  Zion  trav- 
eler, and  rejoicing  in  like  manner  when  a  victory  is  ac- 
complished." A  reference  to  the  Deaconess  sisters,  "cum- 
bered with  much  serving,"  calls  forth  this  whimsical  but 
suggestive  exegesis : 

"I  have  thought  when  reading  the  story  of  Martha  and 
Mary,  that  Jesus  did  not  and  could  not  (being  a  man) 
comprehend  the  position  that  poor  Martha  might  have 
been  in.  Why,  she  might  have  been  washing  or  ironing, 
or  preparing  a  meal,  cooking  or  baking ;  maybe,  the  water 
was  all  boiling,  or  the  irons  all  hot,  and  it  may  have  been 
an  extravagant  use  of  wood  to  put  off  the  work.  It  might 
have  been  the  time  for  the  bread  or  pies  to  have  gone  in 
the  oven,  or  the  potatoes  to  have  been  put  on  or  taken 
off,  and,  O  dear!  perhaps  the  sauce  was  burning!  Jesus 
and  his  brethren  would  no  doubt  have  felt  very  badly 
(for  I  do  not  think  they  were  so  very  unlike  the  brethren 
of  our  day)  if  the  meal  had  not  been  in  season,  or  the 
food  good.  If  this  was  the  case,  certainly  Martha  needed 
Mary's  assistance  very  much.  Martha  was  the  first  to 
receive  Jesus  into  her  home,  and  she  felt  the  burden  of 


44  Eldress  Anna  White. 

caring  (and  Jesus  gave  her  the  credit  of  being  careful) 
and  lo'oking  after  everything  in  the  house,  seeing  that 
things  were  put  in  order,  and  if  such  a  guest  as  Jesus 
tarried  over  night,  she  would,  of  course,  if  she  was  like 
the  sisters  of  our  own  day,  feel  uncommonly  particular 
that  the  room  he  slept  in  should  be  tidy.  She  would 
make  the  beds,  clean,  sweep,  rub,  dust  and  garnish  it 
throughout,  and  this  would  take  a  deal  of  time,  and  I  do 
not  wonder  that  she  asked  for  Mary's  help.  To  be  sure, 
Mary  was  receiving  the  word  that  was  good  for  the  soul, 
but,  if  she  had  taken  hold  and  helped  Martha,  then  Mar- 
tha would  have  had  the  same  privilege  and  both  been 
benefitted  alike.  If  Jesus  then  had  had  a  counterpart  in 
the  person  of  an  Elder  Sister,  probably  this  would  have 
been  the  case.  So  we,  the  daughters  of  the  Resurrection, 
have  great  reason  to  be  thankful  that  we  are  blest  with 
an  ANN  CHRIST  as  well  as  a  JESUS'  CHRIST." 

During  the  years  1873-1875,  the  North  Family  Elders 
published  a  dual  paper,  entitled  "Shaker  and  Shakeress." 
Elder  Frederick  was  editor  of  the  first  part  and  Eldress 
Antoinette  of  the  second.  The  magazine  was  of  a  high 
order  and  was  very  successful,  a  channel  of  gospel  union 
and  fellowship  and  a  means  of  imparting  Shaker  ideas 
to  the  world  at  large.  Sister  Anna,  as  assistant  to  Eldress 
Antoinette,  found  the  work  a  great  benefit,  becoming  an 
expert  proof-reader  and  developing  rapidly  in  literary 
taste  and  critical  ability. 

Her  personal  experiences  in  the  great  fire  at  Mount  Le- 
banon, on  the  "eventful  day  of  February  6th,  1875,"  are 
thus  recorded : 

"It  was  Saturday  morning,  cold  and  bleak,  thermom- 
eter standing  9  below  zero,  wind  surly  and  hoarse  with 
blustering  force,  clouds  above  and  ice  below.  Gathered 
into  our  warm  and  comfortable  shops,  engaged  in  various 
occupations,  more  than  one  felt  to  offer  thanks  to  our 
good  Father  and  Mother  for  a  shelter  from  the  inclemency 


Terrible  Reality  of  a  Fire.  45 

of  the  season.  Toward  the  noonday  hour,  after  the  half- 
hour  bell  had  rung  and  before  the  fifteen  minute  whistle 
sounded,  the  bell  again  was  heard.  Its  continued  ringing 
and  the  shrill  shriek  of  the  whistle,  long  and  loud,  awoke 
us  to  the  terrible  reality  of  the  existence  of  a  fire. 

"It  was  soon  ascertained  to  be  the  sisters'  shop  at  the 
Church,  and,  as  we  glided  over  the  ice-paved  ground,  we 
could  see  clouds  of  smoke  roll  up  and  ere  we  entered  the 
dooryard  one  sheet  of  flame  met  our  gaze.  Attention  was 
then  turned  to  the  dwelling-house  and  the  Ministry's  shop. 
Wet  carpets  were  suspended  from  windows  and  pails  of 
water  dashed  against  the  house.  I  was  the  first  sister  over 
and  went  direct  to  the  kitchen,  to  see  if  more  water  could 
be  procured.  There,  threw  off  cloak  and  went  up  stairs 
to  be  of  more  assistance.  My  cloak  and  the  articles  in  the 
pockets  were  burned.  Up  stairs,  I  met  Eliza  Sharp,  who 
said  with  much  emphasis,  'This  house  ain't  going  to  burn 
down !'  repeating  the  remark  a  second  time.  I  said,  I 
hoped  not.  Met  a  sister  coming  down  with  an  armful  of 
bedclothes.  Took  them  from  her  and  carried  them  to 
the  meeting-house.  Here,  found  the  Ministry's  shop  in 
danger.  They  had  commenced  to  move  out.  Our  family 
sisters  were  the  only  ones  to  help  them,  all  the  rest  were 
busy  securing  things  from  the  dwelling-house.  Every 
movable  thing  was  saved  from  the  shop,  except  the  stoves. 

"The  dwelling-house  was  struck  first.  It  might  well  be 
compared  to  the  igniting  of  a  match.  The  sisters'  shop, 
with  all  that  it  contained,  seventy-five  cords  of  sawed  and 
split  wood  in  it  and  seventy-five  cords  piled  in  front  of  it, 
made  a  tremendous  heat,  so  that  when  the  dwelling  did 
ignite,  it  went  off  like  a  flash,  and,  as  the  flames  burst  out 
of  the  windows,  one  could  but  think  of  red,  fiery-tongued 
demons  venting  their  horrid  rage  upon  some  inoffensive 
thing,  in  haste  to  devour  all  in  their  course.  None  tarried 
long  to  look  at  the  dreadful  sight — a  glance  told  the  whole 
story.     The  wind  continued  with  unabated  fury  and  the 


46  Eldress  Anna  Whitb. 

Infirmary  was  in  danger.  From  there,  we  carried  things 
to  the  Office,  and,  while  so  doing,  the  old  barn,  cast  of 
the  schoolhouse,  caught  fire,  the  brethren  barely  saving  the 
cattle  which  were  in  it.  From  the  Infirmary,  I  went  up 
to  the  schoolhouse  and  from  there  across  to  the  Dairy, 
went  in  and  got  a  little  warm  by  Sally  Dean's  stove.  I 
was  almost  perished  with  cold;  she  kindly  lent  me  a  pair 
of  mittens.  Then  to  aged  sisters'  shop,  which  was  almost 
cleared.  Stayed  there  and  finished.  The  wind  had  shifted 
towards  the  south  and  had  already  communicated  the 
fire  to  the  gas  house  and  the  ice  house.  The  brethren's 
brick  shop,  still  standing,  was  so  hot  that  the  walls  hissed 
when  a  wet  finger  was  applied.  Seven  barrels  of  kerosene 
were  got  out  of  the  woodhouse,  though  the  barrels  were 
hot  when  removed.  The  Ministry's  things  were  mostly 
carried  over  to  the  North  Family,  through  Eldress  An- 
toinette's instrumentality,  with  a  quantity  of  sisters'  cloth- 
ing. Henry  Tilden  with  his  men  from  New  Lebanon  saved 
the  Meeting-house.  The  outside  was  very  much  defaced. 
The  Infirmary  caught  fire  once,  the  door  very  much 
charred,  windows  and  blinds  ruined.  Water  froze  the  mo- 
ment it  touched  anything  except  where  the  heat  of  the 
fire  was  felt.  In  the  buildings  that  did  not  burn,  floors 
and  stairs  were  covered  with  ice  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in 
thickness.  Eldress  Harriet  Goodwin  was  in  her  room, 
hunting  for  the  Covenant,  Brother  Frederic  Sizer  with 
her.  When  this  became  known,  Brother  Timothy  Rayson 
and  John  Greaves,  at  the  risk  of  their  own  lives,  rushed 
for  ladders.  They  succeeded  in  getting  one.  Timothy 
burned  his  hand  badly  and  John  his  coat,  but  Eldress 
Harriet  reached  terra  firma  safely,  as  did  Brother  Fred- 
eric. After  that,  Elder  Daniel  Grossman  went  up  and  suc- 
ceeded in  procuring  the  desired  article.  When  he  came 
down,  his  frock  was  burned  almost  off  his  back.  In  less 
than  three  hours,  eight  buildings  were  laid  in  ashes.  The 
Pittsfield  fire  company  came  over  the  mountain,  bad  as  it 
was,  in  fifty-five  minutes." 


Eldkbss  Antoinette  Passes  Away.  47 

VII. 

ELDRESS  HARRIET  BULLARD  was  recalled 
from  Watervliet,  in  1881,  to  fill  a  vacancy  in  the 
Ministry,  as  associate  with  Eldress  Ann  Taylor. 
Thus,  Sister  Anna  had  again  the  beloved  Eldress 
Harriet,  who  had  helped  establish  her  on  the  rock  of  truth 
in  the  fierce  storms  of  her  youthful  experience.  The 
relation  between  them  was  always  beautiful,  their  mutual 
love  and  confidence  increasing  with  years  and  deepening 
spiritual  experiences. 

Eldress  Antoinette,  whose  physical  powers  were  failing, 
gradually  withdrew  from  active  participation  in  the  family 
life.  Sister  Anna  came  and  went  on  the  duties  incident 
to  her  office,  returning  to  their  living-room  at  night  to 
meet  the  loving  greeting  and  endearing  smile  of  her  be- 
loved Mother,  but,  even  to  her  hopeful  eyes,  it  became 
apparent  that  the  parting  must  soon  come.  On  Christmas 
Day,  1886,  Eldress  Antoinette  attended  the  morning  ser- 
vice with  the  family,  and  administered  the  gospel  testi- 
mony. On  the  last  night  of  the  year,  in  the  early  hours  of 
thei  evening,  she  passed  peacefully  away.  Sister  Anna,  who 
had  planned  to  watch  with  her,  had  yielded  to  her  last 
request  to  retire,  that  implicit  obedience  which  had  marked 
her  thirty-seven  years  of  dutiful  affection,  but  soon  re- 
turned, eager  for  the  glad  look  and  welcoming  smile,  only 
to  be  met  with  a  very  blunt  announcement  that  her  be- 
loved Mother  had  left  her.  The  shock  was  fearful  and 
the  agitation  of  her  grief-stricken  heart  was  great. 

The  services  in  memory  of  this  old  resident  and  native 
of  the  neighboring  village,  the  well-known  Eldress,  whose 
presence  and  eloquent  addresses  were  so  familiar  on  east- 
ern platforms,  could  be  attended  by  few  outside  of  the 
Shaker  village,  on  account  of  the  inclement  weather  and 
the  condition  of  the  highways,  blocked  by  snow  and  ice. 
At  this  service,  Anna  White  was  announced  by  the  Min- 


48  Eldress  Anna  White. 

istry  to  be  the  successor  of  Eldress  Antoinette,  Eldress  of 
the  North  Family.  With  her  ever  keen  sense  of  unfitness 
for  positions  of  responsibility,  Eldress  Anna  felt  the  bur- 
den of  her  position  rest  upon  her  with  almost  crushing 
weight.  "I  cannot  be  Eldress  Antoinette,"  was  her  cry  of 
humility,  when  sisters  came  to  her  with  their  trials,  until 
silenced  by  the  assurance  that  they  did  not  want  her  to  be 
Eldress  Antoinette,  but  Eldress  Anna,  and,  for  twentyfour 
years  more,  she  filled  the  place  of  Mother,  Guide,  Coun- 
selor and  Friend. 

Eldress  Antoinette  had  found  the  brethren  in  full  charge 
of  all  business  and  financial  matters,  and,  with  her  sense 
of  equality,  in  accordance  with  Shaker  faith,  she  believed 
that  the  hard-working  sisters  should  have  their  own  in- 
terest and  the  care  of  their  own  earnings.  She  obtained 
the  consent  of  the  Ministry,  and,  starting  with  nothing, 
without  a  dollar  of  capital,  beyond  the  utensils  employed 
in  their  industries  and  their  consecrated  labor,  the  sisters, 
under  her  economical  use  of  funds  and  prudent  invest- 
ments, acquired  a  competence,  the  fruit  of  their  united 
labor  and  economy,  besides  paying  their  just  share  of  the 
expenses  of  the  home.  This  financial  burden,  the  manage- 
ment of  the  sisters'  income,  was  one  item  from  which  El- 
dress Anna  shrank;  with  dread,  regarding  herself  unfitted 
by  nature  and  lack  of  experience  to  deal  with  the  business 
end  of  her  profession.  iS'eeking  advice  from  her  bankers, 
moving  cautiously,  the  sisters'  interests  prospered  under 
her  care,  as  did  their  spiritual  welfare.  "I  am  among 
you  as  one  that  serveth,"  was  her  motto.  "Never  will  I 
cry  the  burden  of  the  Lord,"  she  would  often  exclaim. 
Whatever  the  call,  however  crossing  the  demand,  duty  and 
service  were  her  watchwords,  and  never  did  she  flinch  at 
difficulty  or  hardship.  If  a  wall  of  error  lay  athwart  her 
path,  she  went  at  it  with  the  hammer  of  truth,  and  it 
went  down  before  her.  With  faith  and  courage,  she  faced 
every  crisis.    The  house  might  be  emptied  of  defiled  and 


Mission  to  the  West.  49 

unworthy  members,  but  the  life  should  be  kept  pure  and 
the  mission  and  meaning  of  the  home  be  maintained.  Yet, 
none  was  ever  more  careful  to  preserve,  more  watchful 
to  detect,  by  every  power  of  insight  and  spiritual  intuition, 
the  hidden  gems  of  character.  No  broken  reed  of  purpose 
nor  smoking  flax  of  desire  for  purity  and  goodness  was 
destroyed  through  her  prejudice,  blindness  and  rash  deal- 
ing. Hand  in  (liand  with  the  angels  of  love,  hope  and 
revelation,  she  walked  daily,  in  all  her  dealings  with  her 
people.  She  ministered  at  the  altar,  and  she  was  a  nurse 
and  a  bearing  mother  to  hundreds  who  arose  to  call  her 
blessed  and  to  recognize  in  her  their  saviour  in  the  visible 
form. 

Another  deep  sorrow  came  to  Eldress  Anna  in  this  try- 
ing year.  Her  beloved  sister  in  the  faith,  Eldress  Mary 
Ann  Gillespie,  of  the  Maine  Ministry,  with  whom  she  had 
passed  many  happy  hours,  and  with  whom  so  rich  and 
enjoyable  a  correspondence  had  been  maintained,  passed 
suddenly  away.  It  was  said  of  her,  and  was  equally  true 
of  'her  younger  sister  in  the  faith,  "Her  heart  was  full  of 
love  for  all  humanity." 

Before  Eldress  Anna  had  become  accustomed  to  the 
responsibilities  of  her  position,  and  long  before  she  had 
ceased  to  feel  out  for  the  strong  arm  on  which  she  had 
been  wont  to  lean,  she  was  summoned  to  the  Ministry's 
dwelling  and  the  subject  broached,  by  Eldress  Ann  Taylor, 
of  the  proper  person  to  accompany  her  associate  on  a  long 
journey  and  laborious  mission  among  the  societies  in  Ohio 
and  Kentucky.  The  presence,  ministration  and  executive 
action  of  the  Central  Ministry  were  needed  and  Elder 
Giles  B.  Avery  and  Eldress  Harriet  Bullard  were  to  go. 
"I  cannot  send  Eldress  Harriet  alone  on  such  a  long 
journey,"  said  Eldress  Ann,  "and  I  have  decided  to  send 
Anna  with  her."  "Anna  Dodgson?"  was  the  innocent  re- 
ply, 'I  think  she  will  be  just  the  one."  "Nay,"  replied  the 
Eldress,  "not  her.  but  Anna  White."    It  was  a  very  un- 


50  Eldress  Anna  White. 

welcome  call.  Eldress  Anna  felt  that  she  could  not  leave 
her  family  and,  moreover,  she  was  a  poor  traveler,  fond  of 
her  home,  and  very  unwilling  at  all  times  to  go  abroad. 
However,  after  listening  to  Eldress  Ann's  reasons,  her 
habit  of  obedience  came  to  her  aid  and  she  reluctantly 
consented.  There  is  a  picture  of  Eldress  Anna,  taken  be- 
fore this  western  visit,  which,  while  an  excellent  like- 
ness, shows  the  sterner  side  of  her  nature,  her  energy 
and  self-control,  but  the  sweetness  and  tenderness,  which 
come  to  the  surface  in  every  other  picture  of  her,  are 
missing.  She  said  of  it,  "I  felt  cross  and  out  of  sorts, 
for  I  did  not  want  to  go!"  An  interesting  journal  was 
kept,  giving  a  picture  of  the  ups  and  downs  of  the 
journey,  the  beautiful  and  romantic  scenery,  the  moun- 
tains climbed,  the  rivers  crossed,  the  country,  "God- 
forsaken," as  she  expresses  it,  in  some  parts  of  Ken- 
tucky, not  yej:  cleared  of  the  ruin  and  devastation  !«** 
by  the  Civil  War. 

In  the  Shaker  homes,  they  found  a  loving  welcome, 
kind  friends,  many  true  gospel  saints  and  Believers  who 
loved  and  practiced  their  faith.  They  also  found  in  many 
parts  a  condition  which,  to  their  inner  vision,  held  the 
seeds  of  dissolution  and  destruction,  Eldress  Anna's 
spirit  of  testimony  was  enkindled  and  she  gave  it  forth 
in  her  fearless  manner.  The  young  people  gathered 
to  her  as  at  home,  and  she  spared  no  pains  to  teach  and 
enlighten,  and  in  every  possible  way  to  establish  them 
uponj  the  rock  of  true  Shaker  faith  and  principle.  She 
taught  the  children  Shaker  songs  and  so  inspired  the 
younger  sisters  with  a  desire  for  this  beautiful  gift, 
that  before  she  left  them  the  gift  descended  upon  one 
of  them  and  a  song  wasi  given.  But  the  long  journeys 
in  the  increasing  heat  of  the  southern  spring  were  too 
much  for  her  slender  store  of  strength,  already  so  se- 
verely drained  by  her  struggle  with  bereavement  and  new 
responsibilities.      Prolonged     spells     of     unconsciousness 


Vision  of  Friinbs  Unmbn.  51 

grew  more  frequent,  alarming  her  friends  and  travel- 
ing companions.  News  of  lier  condition  reaching  the 
Home  Ministry,  the  company  was  recalled  and,  after 
three  months'  absence  and  work  among  the  western 
societies,   they   started  homeward. 

Eldress  Anna  had  been  at  home  but  a  short  time,  when 
Elder  Frederick,  again  accompanied  by  Dr.  Peebles,  went 
abroad  for  a  second  missionary  tour  of  England  and 
Scotland.  In  July,  with  four  others,  she  accompanied 
him  to  New  York  to  see  him  ofif.  The  thronging  streets 
of  the  great  city  impress  her  thus:  "A  releasement  of 
thirty-eight  years  from  confinement  within  brick  walls 
and  stone  pavements,  out  into  the  green  pastures  and 
beside  the  still  waters,  made  my  heart  leap  for  joy  at 
at  the  recollection  of  so  happy  an  escape.  It  has  been 
prophesied  that  New  York  City  would  be  swallowed 
up  by  water,  and,  as  immigration  and  crime  increase, 
is  there  not  danger?  We  would  readily  admit  that  a 
spiritual  wave  or  earthquake  might  engulf  it  to 
advantage." 

To  Eldress  Hester  Ann  Adams,  of  the  Maine  Minis- 
try, Eldress  Anna  wrote :  "Sometimes,  in  the  silent  hours 
of  the  night,  the  friends  unseen  to  mortal  vision  draw 
the  nearest.  It  was  so  last  night.  I  dreamed  of  be- 
loved Elder  Otis  and  dear  Eldress  Mary,  not  so  very 
distinctly,  but  sufficiently  to  gather  of  their  spirit.  Elder 
Otis  was  encompassed  in  waves  of  light;  not  the  light 
of  the  sun,  nor  of  the  moon,  nor  of  candles,  neither 
of  gas  nor  electricity,  for  the  splendor  outshone  all 
of  these  put  together;  and  in  this  light,  he  seemed  to 
live  and  move  and  have  his  being,  and  he  was  exhort- 
ing, in  the  most  entreating  manner,  that  others  should 
be  immersed  in  the  same  ocean  of  light  and  love.  He 
would  extend  his  arms  and  embrace  one  after  another 
as  they  went  to  him,  descending  and  again  ascending, 
as  the  waves  came  and  receded.     I  noticed  particularly 


52  Eldress  Anna  White. 

that  some  rushed  eagerly  forward,  anxious  to  reach  him 
first,  others  rather  unconcernedly,  as  though  there  was 
plenty  of  time,  and  again  others  very  reluctantly.  This 
seemed  to  grieve  him  vei-y  much,  insomuch  that  he 
wept.  At  this  jimcture,  Eldress  Mary  appeared,  wav- 
ing her  arms  and  motioning  her  hands  toward  Elder 
Otis,  and  beckoning  me  to  follow,  and  in  another  mo- 
ment, I  was  by  her  side  and  in  her  embraces.  The 
interview  was  brief,  but  it  left  rather  a  sorrowful  im- 
pression, though  her  countenance  bore  not  the  expres- 
sion of  sorrow  or  of  sadness. 

"I  giathered  the  feeling  from  her  that  she  expressed 
in  one  of  her  last  letters  to  me,  where  she  says,  T  do 
not  want  to  die.  I  want  to  live,  to  see  the  gospel  in- 
crease in  tlie  earth.'  ;  This  is  the  sum  and  substance  of 
the  dream,  and  now  you  will  not  wonder  that  I  make 
my  way  to  you  as  quickly  as  some  of  those  people  did 
to  good  Elder  Otis.  The  visions  and  dreams  of  the 
night  pass  away,  but  impressions  remain,  and  we  are 
more  than  willing  that  they  should. 

"In  the  one  year  that  has  passed  since  our  dear  mother 
went  home,  I  have  learned  a  few  lessons,  and,  as  you 
sort  of  claim  me  as  one  of  your  children,  will  relate 
one  of  them,  that  you  may  know  what  progress  I  am 
making.  It  is  this.  That,  as  we  are  residents  of  earth, 
have  earfhly  duties  to  performi  and  fulfill  to  ourselves 
and  others,  and  this  is  our  allotted  sphere  to  work  in 
for  the  time  being,  it  will  not  answer  to  have  the  sense 
too  divided,  lest,  in  the  attempt  to  be  in  both  spheres 
at  one  and  the  same  time,  we  miss  of  the  blessing  of 
both.  I  was  gently  reprimanded  by  Eldress  Antoinette 
for  this  as  I  was  by  one  other  thing.  It  was  in  meet- 
ing. My  heart  was  heavy  and  beating  as  though  it 
would  burst  its  socket.  I  so  felt  the  need  of  her  strong 
baptism  and  testimony,  and  my  own  inability  and  weak- 
ness crept  over  me,  that  it  caused  my  spirit  to  sink  and 


Lucrative  Employment  for  Sisters.  53 

I  gave  up  to  silent  weeping.  At  this  she  came  and  laid 
her  hand  upon  my  shoulder,  saying,  'My  child,  cast  aside 
the  mourning  and  the  sighing,  put  off  the  habiliments 
of  sorrow  and  gird  thyself  with  the  beautiful  garments 
of  joy  for  heaviness,  of  gladness  for  sadness.  I  will 
light  your  path  and  flowers  of  heavenly  beauty  will 
spring  up  therein.  Strength  shall  be  meted  out  to  you, 
according  to  your  day.  Your  bread  is  certain  and  your 
water  is  sure.  My  love'  is  as  the  full  flowing  fountain, 
and  my  blessing  as  the  falling  rain.'  Was  not  this  a 
lesson?  Since  the  loving  rebuke,  I  will  not,  I  dare  not 
murmur.  I  will  take  the  cup  of  tribulation,  however  bit- 
ter, and  drink  it  up,  if  need  be,  to  the  very  dregs.  And 
why  not?  The  sweetness,  the  saving  properties  are  in 
it  that  my  poor  soul  needs  so  much.  And  the  blessing 
of  a  kind  and  tender  mother  is  at  the  end  of  the  road." 
Eldress  Anna  realized  the  necessity  of  securing  lucra- 
tive employment  for  the  sisters,  that  they  might  earn 
a  livelihood,  lay  by  an  increase  and  build  up  the  united 
inheritance.  Opportunity  offered  to  undertake  shirt- 
making.  Machines  were  installed  in  a  large,  well-lighted 
shop,  water-power  was  brought  in  and  the  work  begun. 
The  young  sisters,  with  some  of  the  older  ones,  took 
this  as  their  daily  task,  when  not  employed  in  the  kitchen 
department.  Some  were  appointed  to  inspect  the  finished 
work,  some  to  pack,  the  garments.  Eldress  Anna  often 
assisted  at  the  machines,  where  her  quick  eyes  and  me- 
chanical skill  were  of  great  advantage.  But,  if  a  defective 
place  appeared,  she  would  sit,  minute  after  minute,  pa^ 
tiently  picking  out  the  work,  while  the  eager  race  of 
the  buzzing  machines  went  on  about  her,  each  seeking 
to  do  the  greatest  number  or  to  fill  a  rush  order.  One 
day,  a  remonstrance  was  made.  "Why  do  you  pick  it 
out,  Eldress  Anna?  The  place  will  never  show."  She 
promptly  replied, — "Even  if  it  were  never  seen  or  criti- 
cized  by  others,   we   must   know   that   all    which    passes 


54  Eldress  Anna  White. 

through  our  hands  is  done  upon  honor.  In  this  way,  an 
influence  for  good  will  go  out  with  all  that  we  have 
handled."  This  was  the  spirit  manifested  in  all  that  she 
did,  as  well  as  enforced  in  her  teachings.  Perfect  work, 
no  matter  if  much  or  little,  but  the  best  in  quality.  One 
recalls  that  she  was(  set  to  labor  for  a  gift  in  domestic 
work,  and  was  referred  to  an  older  sister  as  an  exem- 
plar. This  sister  was  not  one  of  the  most  proficient, 
on  the  contrary,  she  was  proverbially  slow  and  less  adept 
than  most  others.  But,  coming  from  a  home  of  wealth, 
all  unused  to  labor  with  her  hands,  she  had  given  her 
whole  soul  to  the  spiritual  work,  expressed  equally  in 
manual  labor  and  religious  devotion.  Hand  labor  was 
as  sacred  to  her  as  prayer  and  spiritual  exercise,  and, 
through  all  the  years  of  her  Believer  life,  she  had  striven 
with  devotion  to  gain  some  adaptation  and  tisefulness  in 
handiwork.  To  this  sister,  far  behind  many  others  in 
natural  ability  along  these  lines,  Eldress  Anna  directed 
the  young  disciple,  sure  that  in  the  gift  of  consecration, 
she  would  acquire  ability  and  skill,  and  the  lesson  was 
well  learned. 

In  September,  1888,  while  on  a  visit  to  Canterbury, 
Eldress  Anna  wrote  to  the  Ministry,  "Our  cup  of  joy 
was  about  full  to  overflowing  with  gospel  treasures  gath- 
ered from  Canterbury  and  Enfield,  and  we  felt  rich  and 
happy  to  be  the  recipients  and  in  the  anticipation  of 
being  bestowers  at  home  and  elsewhere  of  the  great 
wealth  received,  when,  at  the  last  of  the  feast,  which 
was  far  from  being  the  best  of  the  wine,  we  received 
the  sad  intelligence  of  precious  Eldress  Hester's  exit 
to  the  land  of  souls.  It  was  like  a  paralytic  shock — a 
a  shock  from  which  we  have  not  yet  recovered. 

"A  mother  like  dear  Eldress  Hester  is  seldom  found. 
Myself  loved  her  better  than  any  other  one  out  of  our 
own  society,  because  I  had  reason  for  so  doing;  and 
she  has  borne  up  so  nobly  in  parting  with  Elder  Oti« 


Love  the  Only  Incentive  to  Labor.  55 

and  Eldrcss  Mary,  was  spared  herself  to  be  a  comforter 
to  the  little  band,  and  now,  their  Shepherdess  is  smit- 
ten, and  what  of  the  flock?  Poor  orphan  children,  their 
wounds  just  being  healed,  and  now  freshly  opened  again 
by  this  heavy  stroke !  May  the  best  of  the  heavenly  host, 
and  we  will  include  them,  hover  over,  protect,  cherish, 
comfort,  strengthen  and  nourish  the  remainder  who  are 
left  behind.     This  is  our   fervent  prayer." 

In  the  autumn  of  1891,  a  Harvest  Home  Festival  was 
held,  showing  the  work  done  in  the  North  Family,  from 
1820,  by  young  and  old.  The  exhibit,  to  which  much 
thought  and  care  had  been  given,  as  well  as  hard  work 
in  preparation,  covered  every  department  of  the  indus- 
trial and  social  life  of  the  family.  Eldress  Anna  wrote, 
"There  was  a  gift  in  it.  Labor  truly  has  its  reward. 
The  union,  love  and  kindred  friendship  was  enhanced 
many  fold.  And  this  is  a  Christian  Community,  where  / 
love  is  the  only  incentive  to  labor  and  a  'United  Inheri- 
tance' in  all  the  blessings  of  life,  the  recompense.  No 
wage  slavery,  no  task-masters,  no  monopolies.  Brother 
Daniel  Offord,  who  is  ever  alive  to  the  interests  of  the 
laborer,  asked  for  the  tenants  on  our  farms  to  have  an 
opportunity  to  attend.  They  came  through  his  invi- 
tation, much  to  our  gratification  and  their  happiness." 

In  June,  1892,  she  writes:  "Spring  work  outdoors 
presses  with  uncommon  force.  Sisters  have  on  hand 
over  200  dozen  shirts,  200  pounds  of  wool  are  being 
sorted,  cleansed  and  dyed  in  the  old-fashioned  indigo 
blueing  tub,  400  yards  of  cotton  cloth  bleached  in  chlor- 
ide. Window-painting,  wall-painting,  staining,  etc.,  is  in- 
cluded in  the  sum.  Brethren  are  seen  skipping  here  and 
there  between  the  raindrops  to,  replant,  or,  with  hoe  in 
hand,  to  uproot,  and  so  it  goes."  Another  June,  the 
record  tells  that  Eldress  Anna,  with  three  young  sis- 
ters, painted,  twice  over,  325  windows.  She  was  fond 
of   wielding   the   paint-brush,   and    no   less    fond    of    a 


50  Elder  Frederick's  Influence. 

quiet  joke,  which  she  played  one  day  upon  a  party  of 
finely  dressed  ladies  and  gentlemen,  who  drove  into  the 
dooryard,  where  they  saw  an  old  lady,  in  a  battered 
Shaker  bonnet  and  well-worn  dress  stained  with  paint, 
bending  over,  plying  the  brush  upon  the  wooden  rail- 
ing about  the  high  Shaker  horse-block.  To  a  hesitating 
query,  the  old  lady  replied,  in  an  aggrieved  tone,  "Yea,  I 
am  an  old  woman,  been  here  more  than  half  a  century, 
and  this  is  the  way  they  treat  me.  Don't  you  think 
the  Shakers  are  pretty  hard  on  me?"  A  sympathetic 
but  embarrassed  reply  was  followed  by  the  inquiry  if 
they  might  speak  with  Eldress  Anna  White.  To  their 
amazement,  the  little  figure  stood  erect,  pushed  back  the 
old  bonnet,  revealing  the  noble  and  expressive  features, 
the  blue  eyes  dancing  in  mischievous  glee,  as  she  de- 
murely said,  "Well,  they  sometimes  call  me  Eldress 
Anna." 

The  Grand  Old  Man  of  Shakerism,  Elder  Frederick 
W.  Evans,  was  approaching  the  end  of  earthly  exist- 
ence. iSecond  Elder,  when  Anna  White  entered  in  1849, 
Head  of  the  family,  when  she  was  called  to  the  Elders' 
lot,  and'  her  own  associate  Brother  in  that  Order,  Eldress 
Anna  owed  to  him  much  of  her  spiritual  power  and 
mental  training.  He  was  a  strenuous  wielder  of  the 
theological  battle-axe  as  well  as  the  Sword  of  the  Spirit. 
She  would  often  object,  "O  Elder  Frederick,  I  don't  like 
theology."  "But,  Sister  Anna,  you  must  like  theology, 
it  is  the  backbone  of  faith.  1  Without  a  sound  theology, 
you  cannot  use  your  faith."  And  he  would  insist  upon 
her  following  his  arguments  and  fencing  with  him  in  the 
workings  of  his  strong,  fresh  thought. 

He  was  a  great  believer  in  the  love  of  the  gospel, 
and  the  fatherly  spirit  was  as  potent  a  factor  in  his 
character  as  the  controversialist.  Often,  he  would  call 
her  insistently  from  some  task,  and,  when  she  had  come 
to  him,  he  would  say,  "I  want  to  give  you  some  love!" 


"Love,   More   Lx)ve!"  57 

"O  Elder  Frederick,"  she  would  exclaim,  half  impa- 
tiently, "is  that  all?  Why  didn't  you  wait  till  I  was 
through  my  work?"  "Anna,"  he  would  reply,  with  quiz- 
zical solemnity,  "Love  is  the  most  important  thing  in 
the  world."  These  half-tantalizing  lessons  were  never 
lost,  and  one  of  her  own  most  winning  traits,  in  the 
midst  of  some  combat  with  a  tried  or  angry  spirit,  was 
to  stop  all  debate  and  call  for  "More  Love!"  Hard 
indeed  was  the  heart  and  cruel  the  temper,  that  did  not 
melt  into  contrition  or  break  up  in  a  laugh,  as  the  clear 
blue  eyes  looked  straight  through  one  and  the  pleading- 
lips  called   for  "Love,  More  Love!" 

An  interesting  sketch  of  Elder  Frederick,  told  largely 
in  his  own  words,  and  a  beautiful  tribute  to  his  char- 
acter and  personality,  by  Eldress  Anna,  appeared  in  the 
April  "Manifesto"  of  1893.  Among  her  pencillings  of 
later  years,  are  these  words  addressed  to  Elder  Henry 
Blinn :  "I  lost  my  spiritual  father.  Elder  Frederick.  Nay, 
not  lost  I  He  is  with  me  still.  His  spiritual  presence 
forces  itself  upon  me  now  as  I  write.  His  aura  fills  the 
atmosphere  and  his  strong  magnetic  voice  is  heard  as 
he  says,  "My  love  to  Canterbury!"  Dear  Father!  The 
overflow  of  his  love  bedims  the  eyes.  He  used  to  call 
me  from  work  just  on  purpose  to  give  me  love.  The 
great  leading  mind  and  the  noble  consecrated  soul  was 
filled  with  the  simplicity  of  a  child.  Not  always  under- 
stood, he  lived  in  advance  of  his  age."  In  the  months 
that  followed  his  passing,  Eldress  Anna  prepared  that 
beautiful  tribute,  entitled  "Immortalized."  Among  her 
papers  is  a  paragraph  headed,  "Elder  Frederick's  last 
words."  They  were  spoken  to  her,  just  before  going 
to  the  family  meeting,  on  the  last  night  of  his  life.  She 
stepped  into  his  room  to  see  that  he  wanted  for  noth- 
ing, and  to  gather  his  love  and  blessing.  He  said,  "It 
is  necessary  for  every  human  being  to  have  friends  in 
the   last   trvintr   hour,    friends   in   the    form.     There  are 


58  Eldress  Anna  White. 

hosts  of  resurrection  angels  all  around  us.  I  have  no 
feeling  to  give  up  so  soon.  I  have  the  elements  of  a 
warrior  in  me.  A  person  having  that  in  him,  he  ought 
not  to  give  up  to  trifles.  Of  late,  my  mind  has  been 
so  full,  I  have  hardly  had  strength  to  fulfill  all  duties. 
Good-night,  have  a  spirited  gospel  meeting  for  me."  The 
last  words  were  often  upon  her  own  lips,  in  her  closing 
days,  when  her  associate  left  her  to  attend  the  hour  of 
family  worship. 


Viii 

ELDRESS  ANNA  loved  the  spiritual  observance  of 
Christmas,  as  instituted  by  Mother  Ann  Lee, 
recognizing  its  inspiration  to  deeper  consecra- 
tion and  purer  inner  light.  She  disliked  the 
exchange  of  presents,  as  too  often  a  meaningless  custom 
and,  in  community  life,  a  needless  outlay  and  scattering 
of  force,  greatly  preferring  to  see  spiritual  gifts  of  love 
and  blessing  observed  in  the  family,  as  individual  con- 
secration deepened.  She  entered  heartily  into  the  intel- 
lectual feasts,  encouraged  the  singing  of  Christmas  songs, 
and  for  several  years  went  softly  about  the  halls  in  the 
dawn  of  Christmas  morning,  playing  a  sweet  measure 
upon  a  cut-glass  dish,  as  her  personal  contribution  to 
the  early  melodies.  It  was  her  special  care  that  the  chil- 
dren should  have  a  happy  day  and  it  was  always  a 
cause  for  rejoicing  that  their  sumptuous  tables  had  not 
called  for  the  suffering  or  death  of  any  living  crea- 
ture. At  this  season,  she  often  sent  out  one  of  her  sun- 
lit epistles,  the  warm  glow  of  love  and  wide  spaces  open 
to  her  spiritual  vision  shining  through  its  beautifully 
penned  pages.  To  a  service  of  the  society,  she  wrote: 
"Christmas   morning.     Imprisoned  by  the  enemy  that 


"Hexpful  Thoughts  Are  Forces  of  Springtime."    59 

lies  in  wait  for  all  in  turn,  the  voice  of  love  has  sounded 
continuously  through  the  bars,  the  well-known  tones  of 
those  who  for  long  years  have  marched  and  fought  by 
my  side,  and  with  the  Christmas  bells  I  send  back  my 
answer  of  love  and  good  cheer.  The  walls  that  have 
kept  me  from  you  will  soon  we  trust  have  disappeared, 
not  beaten  down  by  force,  as  in  the  ancient  tale,  but 
vanished  through  the  warm,  vitalizing  potency  of  heal- 
ing love.  From  the  vantage-ground  of  renewing  life 
and  the  fresh  enjoyment  of  life,  its  mornings  and  its 
evenings,  its  pleasant  days  and,  thank  God,  its  restful 
nights,  I  send  you,  brothers  and  sisters,  my  message  of 
peace  and  love  and  Christmas  joy.  One  and  all,  accept 
my  love  and  thanks  for  your  deeds  of  kindness  and 
words  of  love  and  for  every  thought  of  health  and 
strength  which  has  been  sent  out  for  my  healing.  All 
these  helpful  thoughts  are  forces  of  the  springtime  and 
not  one  has  missed  its  aim  or  failed  of  its  mission.  To 
one  and  all,  A  Happy  Christmas !" 

After  the  passing,  a  few  days  before  Christmas,  of 
one  who  for  thirty  years  had  been  her  faithful  friend 
and  loved  sister,  she  wrote  in  her  journal : 

"Christmas  morning.  Bright,  pleasant  and  joyous  is 
this  day,  ushered  in  by  the  subdued  light  of  a  cloudy  sky. 
Bright,  because  devoid  of  shadows;  pleasant,  because 
of  congenial  associations  creating  a  happy,  peaceful 
home;  and  joyous,  in  the  thought  of  life  that 
makes  glad  the  mourner,  gives  hope  to  the  des- 
pondent, strength  to  the  feeble,  courage  to  the 
strong,  and  to  all  that  breathes  Peace  and  Goodwill  and 
everlasting  Christmas.  Not  the  Christ  that  was,  or  is  to 
be,  but  the  Christ  that  is.  is  the  Christ  for  me. — A.  W." 

Reform  movements  along  the  lines  of  Shaker  faith 
and  practice  were  shared  by  the  North  Family,  under 
their  progressive  leaders.  As  the  First  Peace  Society 
in  America,   Shakers  joined   forces  with   Peace  Societies 


6o  Eldress  Anna  White. 

that  grew  up  in  the  outside  order,  and  delegates  from 
the  North  Family  for  many  years  attended  the  annual 
meetings  of  the  Universal  Peace  Union.  Sanitary  and 
vegetarian  movements  found  them  already  in  the  van. 
Eldress  Anna  w^rites : 

"To  Elder  Frederick  belongs  the  honor,  for  honor  it 
is,  of  introducing  a  vegetarian  diet  into  the  North  Family, 
fifty  years  ago  and  upward.  But  coffee,  tea,  eggs  and 
dairy  products  have  always  been  and  still  are  in  use.  My 
father  was  a  reformer,  he  took  up  the  Graham  system 
and  laid  hold  of  the  water-cure  idea,  cold  water,  at  that. 
And  when  quite  young  I  imbibed  the  same  ideas  and 
carried  them  out,  until  I  went  to  boarding-school,  where 
it  was  utterly  impossible  for  me  to  do  so.  I  must  either 
eat  what  was  set  before  me  and  say  nothing  for  con- 
science' sake,  or  starve.  I  was  not  many  years  from 
school  when  I  came  to  Mount  Lebanon.  The  vege- 
tarian diet  had  been  recently  introduced,  and  but  four 
out  of  fifty  members  had  adopted  it.  It  was  a  great 
innovation  and  made  a  great  talk.  They  were  persecuted 
in  the  family  and  out.  and  I,  naturally,  and  from  a  sense 
of  duty,  too,  sympathized  and  united  with  them — these 
vegetarians.  For  fifty-two  years,  I  have  practiced  and  in- 
culcated the  vegetarian  diet."  And  this  she  continued  to 
the  end  of  life. 

A  most  winning  trait  was  her  sweet  courtesy  of  uni- 
versal s>-mpathy,  overleaping  barriers,  and  going  straight 
to  a  need  or  longing  of  stranger  or  passer  by,  and  her 
kind  response  to  secret  impulses  toward  spiritual  illumi- 
nation was  felt  by  many  as  the  best  gift  of  their  lives. 
Equally  generous  was  the  manner  in  which  she  enter- 
tained expressions  of  thought  or  theory.  To  give  every 
one  an  unprejudiced  hearing,  sympathetic  mental  hos- 
^tality  was  her  constant  attitude.  Yet,  the  balance  of 
forces,  her  unwavering  adherence  to  the  principles 
whose  truth  she  had  made  her  own  by  practical  experi- 


An  Appeal  from  California.  6i 

ence,  was  never  in  the  least  degree  moved.  She  was 
often  heard  to  say,  "When  I  find  a  better  way  than 
Shakerism,  I  shall  embrace  it,  as  I  embraced  Shakerism. 
We  claim  all  that  is  good  as  part  of  Shakerism." 

In  1894  'ind  again  in  1896,  she  spoke  in  a  course  of 
lectures  by  denominational  leaders,  in  the  Church  of 
the  Unity,  in  Pittsfield,  Massachusetts.  In  her  opening 
words,  on  the  first  occasion,  she  referred  to  her  recol- 
lections of  the  beautiful  inland  city.  "When  I  think  of 
Pittsfield,  forty  years  ago,  a  quaint  little  town,  with 
one  or  two  churches  and  a  school,  and  remember  those 
with  whom  we  were  acquainted,  and  see  the  progress  that 
has  been  made,  with  many  gone  to  their  reward  and 
others  in  their  places,  we  are  reminded  that  this  earth 
is  not  our  abiding-place."  The  talk  that  followed  was 
in  her  usual  frank  and  happy  style,  an  exposition  of 
Shaker  thought  and  life.  At  the  second  meeting,  she 
read  a  paper  on  the  True  Spiritualism. 

One  of  many  instances,  where  appeals  came  from  out- 
side workers  that  Shakers  would  extend  their  sphere  of 
influence,  is  a  request^  from  California  that  the  Shakers 
of  Mount  Lebanon  would  establish  an  outpost  on  the 
Pacific  Coast.  Eldress  Anna  replied :  "We  are  very  much 
pleased  with  the  tone  of  your  letter;  it  touches  a  chord 
in  our  hearts  that  vibrates  in  harmony  with  our  own 
enthusiastic  desires,  that  the  truths  revealed  in  our  Sb- 
ciety  may  at  no  distant  day  extend  from  the  Atlantic 
to  the  Pacific  Coast.  'For  this  gospel  must  be  preached 
in  all  the  world  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations,  then  shall 
the  end  come.'  The  end  of  what?  Of  wars,  civil,  poli- 
tical and  religious,  of  social  strife  and  contentions ;  of 
pestilence  and  famine;  of  inequality  and  monopoly;  of 
poverty  and  crime;  of  intemperance  and  sensuality;  of 
slavery  and  generation.  It  has  come  to  us;  and  we  re- 
joice with  an  exceeding  great  joy  that  'the  lines  have 
fallen  to  us  in  such  pleasant  places.* 


62  Eldress  Anna  White. 

"While  we  recognize  a  great  army  of  truth-loving  souls, 
like  yourself,  who  are  working  so  persistently  for  the 
advancement  of  the  race,  advocating  peace  principles, 
temperance,  equality,  women's  rights,  etc.,  we  are  not 
without  hope  that  eventually  a  new  earthly  order  will 
arise,  wherein  use  and  not  abuse  of  the  procreative  facul- 
ties in  man  and  woman  will  be  observed,  and  wherein 
right  makes  might;  even  as  now  exists  a  heavenly  order 
of  peace  and  righteousness,  revealed  and  established  by 
divine  wisdom  and  love.  It  needs  the  one  to  sustain  the 
other,  and  we  confidently  look  to  this  class  as  being  fore- 
runners of  the  all-important  work  of  redemption.  The 
leaven  is'  working.  But,  my  dear  friend,  until  it  works 
a  little  more,  we  cannot  Avarrant  the  establishment  of 
a  Shaker  Society  in  California,  or  in  any  other  place 
at  present. 

"In  the  meantime,  we  bless  you  in  your  efforts,  and 
appreciate  the  liberal  offer  you  extend.  It  is  not  an 
impossible  thing,  if  it  is  an  impracticable  one:  the  future 
must  decide.  If  you  could  so  arrange  as  to  place  in 
the  public  libraries  our  books  and  pamphlets,  and  thus 
lay  before  the  people  the  great  truths  therein  contained, 
we  will  agree  to  furnish  a  sufficient  amount.  As  you  are 
striving  to  be  a  redeemer  in  the  generative  order,  we  are 
aiming  to  be  saviours  in  the  resurrection.  Let  us  clasp 
hands.  Hoping  to  hear  from  you  again,  I  remain  your 
friend  in  the  cause  of  human  redemption,  Anna 
White." 

"Mankind,"  she  wrote,  "are  going  up  and  not  down. 
They  are  moving  toward  God,  the  Father  of  light,  and 
the  dispenser  of  all  good  gifts.  A  few  more  steps  in 
this  direction  will  lead  them  to  acknowledge  a  Heavenly 
Miother.  The  fire  that  was  kindled  in  the  first  appear- 
ance of  Christ  has  been  and  is  being  rekindled  by  her 
testimony.  Believers  should  fan  the  flames  and  in- 
crease the  fire  by  throwing  into  it  those  things  which  the 


GwEF   FOR  Sister  Martha   Anderson.  63 

Spirit  of  God  does  not  approve.  'Our  God  is  a  con- 
suming lire.'  She  will  not  only  clean;  out  every  vestige 
as  small  as  a  breastpin  or  finger  ring,  but  the  very  spirit 
that  would  keep  that  life  alive.  Not  only  sins  commit- 
ted, but  the  very  nature  of  sin  that  we  all  possess  is 
embraced  in  the  testimony  of  Mother,  and  whoever  ac- 
cepts this  must  part  with  their  dearest  idols.  The  idol 
may  be  a  father,  mother,  son  or  daughter,  husband  or 
wife,  selfish  property,  or  some  bad  habit,  like  smoking 
OT\  chewing  tobacco — it  must  eventually  be  consumed  by 
the  fire  of  truth.  And  happy  and  glorified  is  the  soul 
who   spares   no   idol,   great  or  small." 

The  sudden  death,  in  November,  1897,  of  the  highly 
gifted  Sister  Martha  J.  Anderson,  for  several  years  her 
associate,  brought  great  sorrow.  Her  grief  was  so  in- 
tense and  prolonged,  that  it  brought  a  remonstrance 
from  faithful  spirit  friends,  and  a  message  came  from 
the  departed  sister,  begging  her  loved  ones  not  to  mourn 
so  hopelessly,  for  it  grieved  her  and  held  her  back.  The 
message,  tender  as  it  was,  touched  the  quick  conscience 
of  Eldress  Anna  and  she  condemned  herself  for  indul- 
gence in  sorrow,  sternly  setting  herself  to  take  up  life's 
burdens  anew.  But  it  was  long  ere  she  recovered,  and 
never  did  the  seasons  pass  without  tender  memories 
lingering  over  Sister  Martha's  familiar  ways  and  favor- 
ite haunts.  The  time  of  her  departure  was  ever  one  of 
quiet  communion  with  the  fond,  beautiful  spirit  so  closely 
united  to  her  own.  A  few  days  after  the  going  of 
Sister  Martha,  came  the  transition  of  Eldress  Ann  Tay- 
lor, who  seemed  in  very  truth  an  embodiment  of  Wis- 
dom and  Love.  She  had  said  to  Eldress  Anna,  when 
mourning  the  loss  of  Eldress  Antoinette,  "I  will  be  your 
Mother,  come  to  me  whenever  you  want  to !"  and  the 
ties  of  spiritual  kinship  between  them  were  especially 
close.  These  two,  closely  linked  in  life  and  united  in  their 
passing,   were   joined   in   a  beautiful  memorial,   prepared 


64  Eldress  Anna  White. 

by  Eldress  Anna, — a  dainty  white  booklet,  named  "Only 
Arisen." 

At  the  time  of  the  Dreyfus  at¥air,  the  Shaker  sisters 
were  deeply  stirred  with  indignatiorn  and  sympathy.  In 
conjunction  with  Mary  Frost  .Evans,  editor  of  the  Rhode 
Islander,  was  sent  forth  "The  Shaker  Sisters'  Plea  for 
Dreyfus."  Eldress  Anna  wrote :  "We  thought  our  pro- 
test would  find  a  corresponding  mind  in  you,  and  we 
are  not  disappointed.  We  shall  continue  to  do  violence 
by  waging  a  more  effective  war,  as  only  Peace  people 
can  do,  against  the  baseness  of  inhumanity  to  man  and 
to  woman.  I  cannot  agree  with  you  that  'One  voice 
can  do  but  little  in  this  great  floodgate  of  persecution.' 
It  can  do  much.  Think  what  you  are  doing.  If  2000 
years  ago,  'One  could  chase  a  thousand  and  two  and 
ten  thousand  to  flight,'  what  may  not  the  closing  of  this 
nineteenth  century  do,  when  one  voice  can  echo  through 
the  channels  of  the  press  to  millions  of  people  the  world 
over?  The  still,  small  voice,  sure  enough.  How  it 
gathers  in  volume,  when  put  forth  aright,  until  it  be- 
comes like  the  voice  of  many  waters,  the  voice  of  a 
great  thunder.     Nay,  we  are  not  weak,  we  are  strong!" 

Tihe  record  of  her  family  closes  with  a  letter  to  her 
sister  Rachel.  Cornell  White  had  passed  away  in  1884, 
from  his  home  at  Fort  Flamilton,  New  York  Harbor,  and 
on  May  ist,  1859,  Rachel  White  Baker  joined  the  others 
from  her  daughter's  home  at  Naugatuck,  Connecticut. 
The  letter,  dated  "i,  8,  1899,"  two  days  before  her  sister's 
seventy-third  birthday,  reads: 

"Dear  Sister  Rachel: 

"The  seasons  come  and  the  seasons  go. 

Like  the  summer's  rain  and  the  winter's  snow. 

"So  swiftly  they  fleet  away,  and  not  so  fast  but  that 
at  each  milestone  we  stop  and  consider  and  ponder  over 


Last  Letter  to  Her  Sister  Rachel.  65 

the  past,  recognize  the  present  and  peer  into  the  future. 
Well  for  that  man  and  woman  who  can  look  back  with- 
out a  regret,  who  can  joyfully  accept  the  present  and 
who  with  all  hope  and  courage  awaits  the  future.  And 
how  is  my  dear  sister  of  seventy-three  years?  Climbing 
upward,  I  trust,  round  upon  round,  steadily  and  grace- 
fully. Into  my  short  life  have  come  great  trials  and 
severe  sufferings,  surmounted  by  greater  conquests  and 
sweeter  joys.  It  may  be  so  in  thine.  I  hope  so.  There 
are  countless  aeons  yet  in  store  for  us  in  the  vast  eternity, 
where  we  will  look  back  upon  our  short  life  here  as 
but  a  span,  the  wink  of  an  eye,  or  the  draught  of  a  breath. 
In  this  short  time  we  may  increase  or  decrease.  Happy 
may  it  be  with  us,  if  at  the  end  we  find  our  life  has  not  all 
been  a  blank  and  that  we  have  not  lived  in  vain.  In  that 
other  stage  of  existence,  I  trust  we  shall  know  each 
other  better,  understand  as  we  would  wish  to  be  under- 
stood, see  as  we  would  wish  to  be  seen,  love  as  we  would 
wish  to  be  loved. 

"In  our  busy  little  world  at  Mount  Lebanon,  the  con- 
flict ever  wages  between  the  right  and  the  wrong.  In- 
dividuals from  all  classes  apply  for  admission  and  it 
requires  a  clear,  sharp  eye  of  discernment  to  decide 
whom  to  accept  and  whom  to  reject.  The  past  season, 
we  were  beset  by  swarms  of  people,  not  all  applicants, 
the  most  were  highly  intelligent  travelers  or  boarders 
from  Pittsfield.  Lenox,  Stockbridge.  and  other  places. 
Many  wanted  a  good  dinner,  which  we  gave  them  with 
charge — a  vegetarian  dinner.  A  man  and  his  wife  stayed 
with  us  over  night,  who  were  well  acquainted  all  around 
Little  Silver,  Rumsom  Road,  the  old  White  Place,  Dr. 
Parmley's  Place,  the  Hance's,  etc.  They  said  the  old 
windmill  was  still  standing  by  Shrewsbury  River.  To 
tell  the  truth,  I  would  like  once  more  this  side  of  life 
to  set  eyes  on  the  dear  old  homestead  where  we  spent 
our  childhood   days 


66  Eldress  Anna  White. 

"My  work  is  at  present  arduous  and  continuous,  and 
as  duty  before  pleasure  has  always  been  my  motto,  af- 
fording greater  satisfaction,  I  cheerfully  resign  the  les- 
ser for  the  greater.  The  season  thus  far  has  been  all 
that  we  could  ask.  Autumn  was  beautiful,  and  now, 
the  winter  reigns  just  as  it  should  with  snow  and  ice 
and  biting  cold  as  a  tonic.  This  morning,  as  the  sun 
rose  over  the  eastern  hills,  what  a  sight  met  the  gaze! 
Trees,  clear  to  their  tip-tops,  were  bespangled  with  dia- 
monds and  jewels;  the  smallest  twig  glistened  with  the 
work  of  the  frost  king.  It  was  one  vast  scene  of  beauty, 
which  no  earthly  artist  could  dare  imitate.  Sleighing  is 
magnificent.  We  are  having  a  new  State  Road  built 
through  the  village  and  farther  on,  which  will  greatly 
facilitate  travel.  The  ice  harvest  is  approaching  and  soon 
our  empty  ice-houses  will  be  filled.  I  anticipate  hearing 
from  thee  by  the  2ist  sure.  If  thee  is  able  to  write  but 
a  line,  it  will  be  appreciated  by  thy  younger  sister.  The 
looking-glass  reminds  me  of  our  mother,  as  a  shadow  of 
myself  appears,  so  much  so  I  am  startled.  Silvery  hair 
predominates,  my  weight  is  good,  128  probably.  I  have 
all  my  front  teeth,  seven  upper  and  seven  lower,  am  as 
spry  as  ever  on  foot  and  withal  I  am  ready  to  enter 
the  next  century  with  steady  head,  with  upright  form 
and  I  hope  with  a  clear  conscience." 

How  clearly  memory  recalls  her,  as  she  met  the  in- 
coming century, — her  delicate  figure,  slightly  stooping, 
tripping  steps  that  darted  up  and  down  the  stairways 
and  flitted  like  a  bird  about  the  paths,  her  finely-shaped, 
well-poised  head,  broad  forehead,  well-rounded  curves  of 
intellectual  and  spiritual  faculties,  her  strong,  expressive 
face,  her  clear,  blue  eyes,  that  looked  the  soul  through, 
melting  in  sympathy,  glowing  with  lofty  thought  and 
earnest  purpose,  at  times  laughing  like  a  child's,  her 
delicate    hand,    firm,    strong,    sensitive,    soft    as    a    rose 


IN       MKIHT  ATKIV. 


Labors   for  Young  Believers.  trf 

petal.  A  litLle  boy,  who  spent  the  summer  weeks  under 
her  care,  in  whom  the  big  man  was  sometimes  too  ram- 
pant, loved  to  feel  the  touch  of  her  hand.  "Gee!"  he 
would  say,  "doesn't  her  hand  feel  soft  on  a  fellow's 
head !" 

Sometimes,  meeting  one  of  the  new  adherents,  whom 
she  was  carefully  studying,  with  magnetic  finger-tips  she 
would  playfully  drum  upon  the  breast,  "to  find  out  what 
is  inside,"  she  would  say,  as  if  her  fingers,  like  her 
spirit  touch,  could,  witch-hazel  fashion,  find  the  respon- 
sive current  beneath  the  surface.  Several  in  mature  life 
had  entered  the  family,  for  whose  planting  in  the  gospel 
she  felt  great  concern.  She  saw  in  their  turning  to  Shak- 
erism,  the  fulfillment  of  her  eager  hopes,  fruitage  of  the 
long  seed-sowing,  first  ripples  from  the  vibrating  human 
sea,  responding  to  the  law  of  tidal  influx.  She  was 
most  desirous  that  the  true  gift  of  God  might  be  im- 
planted, the  sure  founding  upon  the  rock  of  truth  secured. 
Tirelessly  she  labored,  rejoicing  over  each  new  sign  of 
responsive  life,  grieving  over  every  lapse  and  fearlessly 
true  in  her  unfolding  and  smiting  of  hidden  evil,  which 
threatened  to  destroy  the  young  plants  in  her  spiritual 
garden. 

While  she  accepted  gratefully  the  gift  of  manual  labor, 
Eldress  Anna  had  little  sympathy  with  the  narrow  in- 
terpretation of  personal  consecration,  which  would 
count  the  hands  holy  but  not  the  head,  bless  faithful  ser- 
vice in  kitchen,  laundry  and  sewing-shop,  but  see  no 
place  for  natural  or  cultivated  talents  in  music,  art,  or 
literature.  The  higher  the  powers,  the  deeper  should 
be  the  consecration,  and  the  more  imperative  the  need 
of  employment  in  the  Flouse  of  God.  During  the  years, 
a  more  abundant  literature  had  been  gathered,  a  well- 
selected  library,  carefully  watched  and  judiciously  en- 
larged. Musical  instruments  had  been  added  and  op- 
portunity   for   study   and    practice   provided.     The   care- 


(58  Eldress  ANhfA  White. 

ful  development  of  literary  ability  had  been  for  many 
years  part  of  her  labor  for  others  as  well  as  herself. 
To  one,  in  whom  the  reformer's  impulse  was  strong, 
she  procured  an  open  door  to  many  outside  movements 
and  a  home  secretaryship  in  humanitarian  causes,  lead- 
ing to  still  more  active  measures  in  varied  lines  of  work. 
In  consequence  of  the  union  with  French  women  in  the 
Dreyfus  affair,  and  as  a  result  of  her  obtaining  more 
signatures  than  any  other  woman  in  the  State  of  New 
York  to  the  petition  for  international  disarmament,  she 
had  been  appointed  Vice-President  for  that  State  in  the 
Woman's  International  League  for  Peace  and  Arbitra- 
tion. To  this  post  with  its  incumbent  duty,  she  was  faith- 
ful. One,  who  was  fond  of  her  lifelong  work  of  teach- 
ing, she  placed  over  a  school,  first,  the  public  school  of 
the  district,  then,  after  some  years,  a  private  school  for 
the  girls  and  A'^oung  sisters.  When  literary  ability  was 
found,  it  was  promptly  put  to  use.  Executive  or  house- 
hold ability,  or  skill  in  any  other  line,  was  equally  valued 
and  equally  employed.  To  the  publishing  of  ai  book  of 
poems  by  a  talented  sister  among  the  recent  members 
she  gave  attention  and  sympathetic  aid.  To  full  conse- 
cration and  devoted,  faithful  service  and  loyalty,  she 
inspired  all  by  her  own  spirit  and  daily  life  as  well  as 
by  her  teaching  and  public  testimony. 

Industrial  problems  received  careful  study.  Shirt- 
making  had  long  been  given  up  as  not  sufficiently  re- 
munerative. Increasing  interest  in  the  home  life  of 
Shakers,  manifested  by  throngs  of  people  from  neigh- 
boring summer  resorts,  was  met  in  a  kindly  spirit.  In- 
stead of  turning  away  these  somewhat  troublesome  guests 
as  intruders,  the  doors  were  courteously  thrown  open. 
The  life  of  the  Shaker  home,  its  inner  meaning,  its  out- 
ward expression,  was  revealed.  Visitors  were  conducted 
over  the  premises,  the  various  mechanical  and  labor- 
saving    devices    were    explained,     kitchen,     dining-room. 


Her  Work  in  Authorship.  fx) 

meeting-room,  library,  one  or  two  living-rooms,  work- 
shops, laundry,  dairy,  and  other  places  of  interest  were 
shown  and  the  many  questions  of  curiosity,  or  deeper 
and  more  serious  import,  were  answered  by  intelligent, 
spiritual-minded  guides.  Many  sincere  friendships  were 
thus  established,  spiritual  light  and  noble  impulses  were 
imparted  and  valuable  returns  were  made  to  the  self- 
sacrificing*  spirit  of  the  home.  Vegetarian  dinners  were 
remunerative,  and  a  shop  for  the  sale  of  fancy  goods, 
antiques,  confectionery,  honey  and  other  home  products, 
grew  from  small  beginnings  to  an  important  industrial 
center. 


IX 

BOOKS  and  leaflets  by  Eldress  Anna  have  had 
wide  circulation.  A  work  to  which  she  devoted 
much  time  and  efltort,  was  "Original  Shaker 
Music."  The  first  volume  was  published  in  1884, 
the  second  appeared  in  18Q3.  She  wanted  an  appropriate 
motto  for  the  title-page  of  the  new  hymnal,  and  one 
morning  awakened  repeating  verses,  which  she  vainly 
tried  to  locate.  Appealing  to  her  associate,  Sister  Martha 
Anderson,  as  more  conversant  with  poets  and  poetry 
than  herself,  she  asked,  "Who  wrote  these  lines?"  "Who 
wrote  them?"  was  the  reply.  "Why,  I  don't  know,  I 
never  heard  them  before.  I  guess  they  are  your  own." 
She  took  the  lines  as  a  gift  for  the  new  volume,  on 
whose  title-page  they  stand. 

"Man  is  a  harp  of  a  thousand  strings, 
Touch  the  spiritual  chord  of  his  heart, 

And  lo !  with  what  inspiration  he  sings. 
Unaided  by  science,  unskilled  in  art; 

'Tis  the  voice  of  God  in  his  soul  that  sings, 


70  Eldress  Anna  White. 

And  is  more  than  a  harp  of  a  thousand  strings." 

Jn  1896,  appeared  "Mount  Lebanon  Cedar  Boughs, 
Original  Poems  by  the  North  Family  Shakers,"  bearing 
upon  its   every  page  the  impress  of  her  mind. 

"Voices  from  Mount  Lebanon"  was  read  at  a  confer- 
ence of  the  Universal  Peace  Union,  in  1899,  and  called 
forth  from  Ernest  H.  Crosby  the  wish  that  "Voices  from 
Mount  Lebanon  were  heard  oftener  by  the  people." 

"The  Motherhood  of  God,"  "Concise  Statements"  and 
its  reprint,  "Present  Day  Shakerism,"  are  highly  valued, 
while  numerous  smaller  leaflets  give  her  vigorous,  pro- 
phetic thought  on  many  themes.  In  1901,  she  started  on 
a  project,  long  contemplated,  of  writing  a  history  of 
Shakerism  more  comprehensive  than  any  hitherto  written 
and  brought  down  to  date.  The  work  of  reading,  note- 
gathering,  composing  and  transcribing  was  done  by  an- 
other ;  the  inspiration,  direction,  weighing  of  evidence 
and  final  judgment  were  her  own.  For  three  years  the 
work  went  on,  and  when  completed,  ready  for  submis- 
sion to  a  trusted  critic,  she  was  not  satisfied.  The  ideals 
of  Shakerism,  its  meaning  and  message,  had  been  set 
forth,  but  something  was  wanting.  The  whole  truth 
had  not  been  told.  The  cause  of  its  temporary  failures 
had  not  been  portrayed.  She  seized  the  pen  and  in  a 
trenchant,  tender  but  terrible  indictment,  declared  the 
tale  of  unfaithfulness,  blight,  mistake  and  wrong.  These 
passages,  the  strongest  in  the  book,  embodied  in  its 
last  chapter,  can  be  readily  recognized.  The  book  was 
published  in  1904,  the  proof-reading,  advertising  and  pre- 
senting to  the  public  being  carried  on  largely  hy  her  own 
hand. 

Among  her  most  attractive  writings,  are  memorial 
sketches.  "A  King's  Daughter,"  the  memorial  to  Sister 
Polly  Lewis,  is  a  beautiful  bit  of  hand  painting.  Another 
is  dedicated  to  Sister  Mary  Hazard.  The  volume  in- 
scribed to  Eldress  Antoinette  Doolittle  is  gracefully  writ- 


Her  Gifts  of  Song.  71 

ten  and  the  gathered  flowers  of  memory  tastefully  ar- 
ranged. In  December,  1890,  Elder  Giles  Bushnell  Avery, 
of  the  Central  Ministry,  a  beloved  and  inspired  leader, 
entered  the  higher  life.  Eldress  Anna  prepared  a  tribute 
in  the  form  of  ai  pamphlet  entitled  "Translated,"  whose 
pages,  worthy  of  their  theme,  deserve  a  better  setting. 
"Immortalized"  was  her  own  favorite  and  "Only  Arisen," 
most  tender  and  touching  of  all,  a  white  flower  of 
memory  laid  sacredly  aside,  was  rarely  named. 

Eldress  Anna's  gifts  of  song  are  a  remarkable  record 
in  spiritual  phonography.  Heaven  was  often  opened  to 
her  outer  sense.  One  July  day,  when  picking  berries 
upon  the  mountain,  she  heard  shouts  of  joy  and  singing, 
as  of  angelic  choirs,  in  the  air  about  her,  and  she  joined 
in  the  song.  On  her  return,  word  came  that  Elder 
Thomas  Damon,  a  beloved  brother  in  Hancock,  had  gone 
with  the  angels  at  the  time  when,  on  the  mountain,  know- 
ing nothing  of  what  was  transpiring  several  miles  away, 
her  quick  spiritual  ear  had  caught  the  song,  "A  Shout 
of  Triumph." 

One  night,  she  dreamed  of  seeing  a  woman,  in  dark 
and  dangerous  paths,  weeping,  and  an  angel  bending  over 
lier,  pointing  upward  to  a  bright  light.  Thus  came  the 
song,  "I'll  tell  thee  of  Heaven,  0  child  of  earth." 

One  busy  day,  she  heard  the  chiming  of  bells  and 
asked,  "Is  there  a  service  in  the  Valley?  I  hear  the 
bells  ringing."  Finding  them  inaudible  to  others,  she 
recognized  the  presence  of  spirit  forces  and  gathered 
the  song,  "The  Bells  of  Heaven  are  Ringing,"  with  its 
graceful   motions   and  inspiring  message. 

Early  one  morning,  after  a  night  of  pain,  her  little 
fingers  were  raised,  beating  a  rhythmic  measure,  and  soon 
she  began  to  sing. 

"Falling,  falling,  like  the  fleecy  snowflakes. 
Dropping,  dropping,  like  the  gentle  rai«, 


72  Eldress  Anna  White. 

So  doth  the  Spirit  minister  to  mortals, 
Bringing  relief  from  sorrow  and  pain." 

During  recovery,  waiting  one  bright  morning  for  her 
breakfast  to  be  served,  she  saw  bright  forms  dancing 
on  the  snow-covered  hillside,  and  a  tall,  white  figure  com- 
ing towards  her,  and  began  to  sing, 

"I  hear  the  sound  of  thy  coming." 

Slitting  in  Elder  Daniel  Offord's  room,  thinking  of 
his  self-sacrificing  life  of  toil  and  devoted  service,  as 
she  arose  to  return  to  her  own  apartment,  on  the 
threshold,  she  began  to  sing, 

"Health  and  strength  I  bring  unto  thee, 
Beautiful  child   of   Mother." 

She  called  it  Elder  Daniel's  song  and  often  sang  it 
to  him. 

A  sister  in  the  Church  Family  passed  suddenly  away, 
child  of  that  Sister  Eunice,  so  deeply  mourned  in  her 
early  life  in  the  family,  and,  unable  to  attend  the  funeral 
service,  as  she  lay  on  the  couch  in  her  sewing-shop,  unit- 
ing in  spirit,  she  heard  the  singing  of  a  spirit  band  and 
joined  in  their  triumphant  strain, 

"Sing,  sing  with  the  ransomed  number." 

Greatly  interested  in  the  work  of  many  allied  forces  in 
the  outer  world,  w'hose  efforts  for  righteousness  and 
human  redemption  she  recognized  as  at  one  with  those 
of  Believers,  she  wrote  the  beautiful  hymn,  "The 
Saviour's  Command."  Her  heart  was  saddened  by  con- 
ditions in  society,  and,  unable  to  bear  her  testimony 
as  of  old,  her  spirit  strove  in  its  secret  hiding-place  for 


"MoFE  Shakers  in  the  World  Than  Eves.  Bctork."    73 

a  baptism  of  purity  and  power,  and  out  of  this  travail 
hour  came  the  song  which  bears  her  parting  gift  to  the 
people  whom  she  was  soon  to  leave, 

"The  winds  of  God  are  blowing,  the  tide  is  setting  in." 

That  the  depleted  condition  of  the  Shaker  families  and 
the  increasing  burdens  pressing  upon  the  faithful  rem- 
nant, weighed  heavily  upon  the  heart  of  Eldress  Anna 
White,  need  not  be  said.  Yet,  her  buoyancy  of  spirit 
was  unfaltering,  her  faith  in  the  final  outcome,  the  per- 
manence of  the  principles  of  Shakerism,  the  sure  word 
of  prophecy,  whose  fulfillment  she  traced  in  the  history 
of  Society,  the  unfulfilled  promise  of  a  new  day,  a  new 
people  and  a  new  opening  of  the  old  gospel, — this  abiding 
faith  never  failed.  "There  are  more  Shakers  in  the 
world  to-day,  than  ever  before,"  was  her  oft-repeated 
declaration.  The  world  was  vibrant  with  grand  mes- 
sages of  truth,  the  teachings  of  Shakerism,  and,  the 
world  over,  she  saw  their  import  seized,  their  substance 
embodied  and  their  life-giving  power  manifested. 

"Be  not  dismayed  nor  disheartened,"  was  her  testi- 
mony, "that  one  after  another,  from  our  societies  are 
being  gathered  of  our  best,  our  truest  and  our  most  effi- 
cient members.  The  new  day  of  the  Gospel,  long  fore- 
told, is  drawing  near.  An  inner  circle  of  those  nearest 
to  -us,  knowing  best  our  needs  and  hence  best  able  to 
minister  to  us.  are  being  gathered  on  the  spirit  side. 
Through  them  will  come  the  tides  of  power,  the  gifts 
of  lights  strength  and  life,  long  concentrated,  by  and 
in  which  we  are  to  arise  and  minister  Truth  and  Life. 
Verily,  a  spiritual  tide  is  setting  in  upon,  the  shores  of 
humanity,  from  the  ocean  of  God.  Let  us  meet  its  com- 
ing! In  the  light  and  knowledge  of  this  century,  we 
have  a  brighter,  clearer  evangel  than  had  William  Lee 
and  James  Whittaker,  Joseph  Meacham  and  Lucy  Wriglit. 


74  Eldress  Anna  White. 

Let  us  arise  and  live,  and  proclaim  the  grand  truths  of 
God  in  Shakerism,  not  in  the  dress  they  wore  loo  years 
ago,  but  as  the  noble,  enlightened  spirits  of  to-day  now 
inspire  us.  Never  have  souls,  hungering  and  thirsting 
for  spiritual  truth,  gathered  to  us  as  now.  Let  us  arise 
to  our  calling!  Then  will  Shakerism  live,  blending,  as  it 
never  could  in  the  past,  with  the  quickening  life  of  the 
Spirit  in  the  outer  world, — a  true  center  of  spiritual 
life." 

Many  projects  were  advanced  by  outside  friends,  who 
desired  to  see  Shaker  homes  built  up  in  strength  and 
membership,  and  who  felt  that  a  path  thereto  might  lie 
along  the  road  of  opportunity  to  some  of  the  many  noble 
enterprises  of  the  day.  One  was  to  open  a  home  for 
little  children,  aiming  not  only  to  relieve  the  stress  among 
city  workers  for  that  class,  but  to  prepare  the  way 
for  such  children  to  become  useful  men  and  women  and 
recruits  for  Shakerism.  Eldress  Anna,  open  in  her 
philanthropic  heart  to  every  good  cause,  never  lost  sight 
of  the  fact  that  the  work  in  her  hands  was  not  insti- 
tutional, for  the  relief  of  the  suffering  bodies  or  starved 
minds  of  the  many,  but  spiritual,  for  the  evolution  of  men 
and  women,  those  who  had  come  to  a  point  in  spiritual 
development  where  they  were  ready,  ripened,  for  the 
death  of  the  natural  and  carnal,  and  the  divine  implant- 
ing of  the  spiritual  life,  to  be  nourished  and  brought 
to  full  harvest  through  the  teaching  and  ministration  of 
those  called  to  that  work.  Very  few,  even  of  the  most 
enlightened  among  her  friends  and  outside  helpers,  could 
see  this  or  realize  her  point  of  view, — the  specialized  work 
of  Shakerism.  It  was  not  easy  to  refuse,  apparently  to 
be  unwilling  to  assist  in  the  so-called  plain  duty  of  hu- 
manity to  its  suffering  brothers  and  sisters.  But  the 
same  clear  vision  and  strong  purpose  that  in  youth  en- 
abled her  to  distinguish  the  different  planes  of  allied 
faiths  and  to  bold  to  her  purpose  in  despite  of  natural 
affection,  opposition  and  persecution,  was  stronger  still 


"Shaker   Sisters   Have  Greater  Rights."  75 

in  maturity,  and  held  her  to  her  conviction  that  she  had 
no  right  nor  authority  to  use  the  Shaker  homes  and  the 
spiritual  plant,  established  by  generations  of  faithful 
toilers,  for  any  other  purpose  than  that  for  which,  under 
divine   direction,    they   had   been   given. 

Of  the  responsibilities  and  capabilities  of  sisters,  in  the 
crisis  time  of  Shaker  history,  she  wrote : 

"You  ask  what  then,  when  the  few  worthy  brethren 
pass  off  the  stage  of  action,  will  the  sisters  be  able  to 
hold  the  fort  and  bring  the  condition  of  the  home  to  a 
successful  standing?  That,  too,  is  a  problem,  and  still, 
as  I  think  of  it,  why  not?  Women  are  making  rapid 
and  successful  strides  in  every  department  that  has 
hitherto  been  under  man's  control,  and  I  am  sure,  when 
we  look  at  the  history  of  Believers,  it  has  been  the  man 
and  not  the  woman,  as  a  general  thing,  who  has  taken 
advantage  of  the  trust  reposed  in  him  and  turned 
traitor  to  the  cause,  especially  when  entrusted  with 
financial  matters. 

"Why  not  sisters?  We  have  brains,  reason,  knowledge, 
and  with  combined  energy  would  know  how  to  apply  it, 
adjust  present  conditions  and  further  future  conditions, 
to  the  satisfaction  of  ourselves  and  society.  As  women 
outside  are  asserting  their  right  to  life,  liberty  and  the 
pursuit  of  happiness,  and  upon  all  economical,  social  and 
political  questions  are  evincing  remarkable  ability  and 
skill,  and  as  the  rights  of  every  human  being  are  identi- 
cal, then  have  not  we  Shaker  sisters  greater  rights  than 
all  others,  having  absolute  right  of  our  own  bodies,  which 
in  reality  includes  all  other  rights?  It  is  my  firm  belief 
that  had  sisters  continued  to  hold  the  balance  of  pOTr?*" 
in  their  own  hands,  as  in  Mother  Lucy  Wright's  day,  all 
the  dire  financial  calamities  might  have  been  averted. 
There  is  where  we  need  to  return  to  the  way-marks,  at 
least,  such  is  my  humble  opinion." 

To  a  friend  of  her  girlhood,  a  sister  beloved  for  many 
years,  she  writes: 


76  Eldress  Anna  White. 

"Why  is  it  that  my  thoughts  ta|ce  wing  and  fly  away 
over  mountain  and  valley,  upon  the  blustering,  rollicking 
March  winds  to  Canterbury?  Reaching  that  blest  abode, 
either  the  winds  subside  or  a  stronger  magnet  than  they 
stops  my  flight,  my  wings  lower  and  I  go  no  farther. 
I  have  thought  of  you,  precious  sister,  so  much  of  late. 
Why,  do  you  ask?  Just  for  love's  sake,  love,  the  best 
gift  God  ever  bestowed  upon  her  creature,  woman.  It 
was  the  her  in  Deity  that  drew  us  together,  the  great 
Maternal  soul  in  your  Eldress.  You  know  Eldress  An- 
toinette was  my  S'avior.  No  greater  proof  do  I  need  of 
the  Divine  Infinite  Mother  than  is  manifested  in  earthly 
vessels — our  spiritual  Mothers  in  the  gospel  of  Mother. 
It  comes  to  me  that  we  are  fast  vv'cnding  our  way  back 
towards  the  ancient  way-marks  from  which  we  never 
ought  to  have  strayed.  Had  sisters  kept  the  helm  as  did 
Mother  Ann  and  Mother  Lucy,  and  been  the  directors 
in  temporal  and  spiritual  things,  of  course  taking  coun- 
sel of  the  brethren,  a  prosperity  would  have  attended 
where  now  devastation  and  desolation  exist.  History  is 
ever  repeating  itself,  and  the  history  of  our  Order  when 
repeated  will  find  woman  in  her  appointed  place  in  the 
kingdom,  as  was  first  designed,  though  it  come  in  an 
abnormal  way,  through  force  of  circumstances.  It  needs 
not  a  prophet's  eye  to  peer  into  the  future  to  see  the 
coming   change." 

Eldress  Anna  was  active  in  reform  movements,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  National  American  Woman  Suffrage  Associa- 
tion, and  Vice-President  of  the  National  Council  of 
Women,  the  North  Family,  under  her  leadership,  for 
several  years,  forming  a  branch  organization  of  that 
progressive  body. 

On  the  31st  of  August,  1906,  in  the  old  Shaker  meet- 
ing-house at  Mount  Lebanon,  was  held  a  Peace  Confer- 
ence, addresses  being  made  by  a  large  number  of  speakers 
of   national   repute.    No   more   absorbing  moment  in  the 


She  Addresses  the  Peace  Conference.  77 

day  occurred  than  when  Eldress  Anna  White  stood  up 
at  the  opening  of  tlie  afternoon  session  and,  in  a  clear, 
resonant  voice,  whose  accents  reached  every  corner  of 
the   roomy  structure,   read   her  address. 

"Friends  and  Co-Laborers, 
"From  far  and  near,  known  and  unknown,  we  make 
you  welcome  to  this  rich  feast  of  intellectual  and  spir- 
itual thought.  You  have  responded  nobly  to  our  call, 
a  call  that  arises  from  a  necessity,  a  call  that  is  being 
heard  increasingly  in  the  earth,  even  as  the  rolling  thun- 
der in  these  mountain  lands  increases  in  volume,  as  it 
resounds  from  valley  to  hilltop,  and  echoes  from  moun- 
tain to  mountain.  You  may  think,  that,  cloistered  as  we 
arc  from  the  outside  world,  pursuing  the  even  tenor  of 
our  ways,  the  larger  affairs  of  life,  those  pertaining  to 
country  and  nation  and  not  directly  affecting  us,  would 
not  enlist  our  sympathy  nor  engage  our  attention.  Tt 
is  far  otherwise.  No  citizen  is  more  thoroughly  alive  to 
the  interests  of  state  or  nation,  than  are  the  Shakers. 
In  the  Peace  of  the  nation  is  our  Peace.  Tlie 
cause  of  Peace  is  our  cause ;  its  friends  are 
our  friends,  and  the  opponents  of  Universal  Peace  (of 
course,  none  such  are  here  to-day)  are  our  particular 
friends,  for  they,  above  all  others,  stand  in  need  of  friends. 
In  one  respect,  we  stand  alone.  We  are  known  as  the 
Virgin  Church,  the  only  one  in  existence  whose  mem- 
bers, one  and  all,  are  called  to  a  life  of  chastity  and 
non-resistance.  Freely  granting  that  other  branches  of  the 
Church  Universal,  our  co-laborers  in  the  cause  of  Right, 
may,  after  the  law  of  Moses,  marry  and  be  given  in  mar- 
riage,— the  Voice  that  called  the  founders  of  this  order 
and  that  has  called  each  one  of  us,  made  vital  the  com- 
mand, 'First  pure,  then  peaceable.'  And  in  our  commun- 
istic life,  we  have  found  this,  our  interpretation  of  purity, 
the  essential  to  justice  and  peace. 

"Peace-makers   that   we  have  been   for   131   years,  and 


78  Eldress  Anna  White. 

to-day  holding  strictly  to  these  important  principles,  we 
claim  that  no  other  people  on  the  face  of  the  globe  know 
what  it  is  to  meet  the  warring,  dashing  elements  in  human 
nature,  and  to  overcome  them,  as  it  is  given  us  to  know. 
Talk  about  war  I  You  may  take  a  thousand  cities  more 
easily  than  rule  the  wild,  turbulent  passions  inherent  in 
the  human  breast.  Warriors  may  boast  of  their  achieve- 
ments on  sea  and  land,  but  no  warrior  ever  brought  home 
laurels  of  greater  worth  than  they  who,  by  self-conquest, 
have  won  in  the  battle  of  truth  over  error  and  right 
over  wrong. 

"While  in  this  our  personal,  spiritual  warfare,  we  know 
of  no  surrender,  we  feel  to-day  a  call  to  a  larger  battle 
than  our  fathers  fought.  Silent  and  unseen,  these  cur- 
rents of  justice,  peace  and  purity,  have  been  coursing 
through  the  earth.  To-day,  small  in  numbers  though  we 
are,  we  feel  moved,  like  the  prophets  of  old  time,  to  call 
aloud  unto  the  nations  and  bid  them  cease  their  strife. 

"In  this  movement  in  favor  of  international  peace  and 
arbitration,  we  are  inspired  to  meet  responses  from  lead- 
ing minds,  noble  men  and  women,  who  can  do  better 
work  than  can  we  in  arousing  the  nations  to  their  duty. 
A  powerful  host  in  the  spirit  world  is  atl  our  side,  un- 
seen hands  are  at  the  helm.  We  have  but  to  work  in 
accord  with  them  and  success  in  the  end  is  sure.  Here, 
in  'this  old  meeting-house,  whose  every  nail  and  timber 
were  placed  by  consecrated  hands,  four  score  years  ago, 
where  in  worship,  after  the  true  Shaker  style,  bod}'-,  soul 
and  spirit  were  given  up  to  the  movings  of  the  Spirit 
of  God,  these  workers  and  saints  of  the  past  gather 
to-day  and  are  uplifted,  even  as  we  are  lifted  up,  by  the 
helpers  they  see  about  us.  We  have  solved  many  a 
knotty  problem  by  the  aid  of  unseen  powers,  and  toi-day. 
we  lift  hearts  and  voices  in  united  supplication,  that  the 
solutiori  of  this  great  question  of  peace  and  arbitration, 
which  has  drawn  us  together,  may  be  found,  be  accepted 


Interview    with    President   Roosevelt.  79 

bj-  the  nations,  and  Peace  and  Harmony  may  become  the 
natural  element  01  our  life  upon  the  earth.  In  the  name 
of  this  Almighty  Spirit  of  Peace,  I  bid  you  welcome,  and 
may  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above  rule  our  counsels 
and  bring   fruition   to  our  hopes !" 

In  Xovember,  Eldress  Anna,  accompanied  by  Sister 
Sarah  Burger,  in  a  personal  interview,  presented  to  Presi- 
dent Roosevelt  the  Resolutions  adopted  at  the  Shaker 
Peace  Conference  and  asked  for  them  his  sanction  and 
support.  The  interview  was  unique,  as  the  two  strong 
characters  met  face  to  face.  In  that  most  virile  and 
forceful  of  men,  that  most  spiritually  forceful  of  women, 
was  a  subtle  quality  in  common.  Eldress  Anna,  who 
found  him  "a  much  better  looking  man  than  I  had  ex- 
pected," said.  "We  greatly  appreciate  this  opportunity.  We 
have  come  a  long  distance,  and  we  would  have  come  a 
much  longer  distance  to  speak  with  the  leading  ruler 
of  the  world  to-day  on  the  subject  of  Peace."  Refer- 
ring to  their  consistent  Peace  platform  for  over  130 
years,  the  Shaker  Order  being  coeval  with  the  Republic, 
and  ha\'ing  never  taken  part  in  political  or  party  strife, 
Eldress  Anna  affirmed  that  the  Shakers  had  been  among 
the  best  citizens  the  Republic  had  ever  had.  She  spoke 
of  the  noble  language  of  his  recent  Thanksgiving  Day 
Proclamation,  which  she  regarded  as  "sound  Shaker  doc- 
trine." The  President  gracefully  acknowledged  this  trib- 
ute. His  eyes  never  wavered  from  the  face  of  this  Shaker 
Eldress  of  seventy-five  years,  nor  did  her  gaze  flinch  from 
his  steady,  piercing  look.  It'  was.  as  some  one  quaintly 
said,   "Turk  meet  Turk." 

Taking  the  resolutions  which  were  presented,  the  Presi- 
dent quickly  absorbed  their  contents,  asking  if  they 
wished  him  to  reply  now.  "We  will  await  your  time.  If 
it  is  your  pleasure  to  answer  them  now,  it  will  give  us 
pleasure  to  listen,"  was  her  reply.  Thereupon,  the  Presi- 
dent said: — 


8o  EujRESS  Anna  White. 

"I  cordially  agree  with  the  spirit  of  the  resolutions, 
but  do  not  believe  that  disarmament  under  the  existing 
circumstances  of  the  intercourse  among  nations  is  prac- 
ticable, although  I  favor  very  strongly  enlarging  and 
amplifying  the  powers  and  jurisdiction  of  the  Hague 
Court  of  Arbitration,  in  reference  to  the  submission  of 
questions  to  that  tribunal  for  decision.  I  feel  that  it  is 
more  important  to  eliminate  the  causes  of  war  than  to 
diminish  the  existing  armies  and  navies  of  the  different 
nations.  I  consider  that  it  is  better  that  a  nation  should 
engage  in  war  than  to  submit  to  injustice  and  imposi- 
tion of  wrong  upon  national  honor  and  interests.  Jus- 
tice before  peace!  My  general  sentiments  are  strongly 
in  favor  of  the  spirit  and  purpose  of  the  resolutions 
adopted  last  August,  and  I  am  much  obliged  to  the  Sis- 
ters for  traveling  such  a  distance  in  this  weather,  to 
present  them  for  my  consideration." 

One  of  a  group  of  Paulist  Fathers,  awaiting  their  turn, 
now  arose  and  greeted  Eldress  Anna — "I  must  thank  you," 
he  said,  "for  your  excellent  address."  The  President, 
laying  a  hand  affectionately  upon  his  shoulder,  intro- 
duced him  as  the  Rev.  Father  Dole,  who  had  stood  firmly 
by  ihim  in  his  work  as  Police  Commissioner  in  New 
York  City.  Friends  of  Eldress  Anna  will  appreciate 
her  perfectly  natural  manner  of  plucking  the  President's 
sleeve,  as  he  turned  away,  saying,  "We  want  to  see 
Mrs.  Roosevelt;  can  we  see  her?"  "I'll  see,  I'll  see,"  was 
the  quick  reply.  "By  George,  I'll  risk  it.  Come  at  2 
o'clock.     Good-bye !" 

The  resolutions  were  left  in  the  hands  of  a  committee, 
and  were  afterward  incorporated  in  the  work  of  the 
Hague  Tribunal.  This  visit  to  Washington  held  many 
things  of  interest,  among  them  a  dirmer  at  Castle  Hen- 
derson, the  residence  of  ex-Senator  John  B.  and  Mary 
Foote  Henderson,  where  the  Shaker  Sisters  met  several 
distinguished  public  men  interested  in  the  Peace  Move- 
ment. 


Letter  to  Mary  Baker  Eddy.  8i 

X 

DURING  a  severe  illness,  Eldress  Anna  was 
brought  into  connection  with  Christian  Science. 
The  story  is  told  in  the  "Christian  Science 
Journal,"  for  December,  1907,  and  need  not  be 
repeated,  save  that  she  was  raised  from  what  was  pro- 
nounced by  a  wise  and  skillful  physician  to  be  her  death- 
bed, through  the  ministrations  of  Christian  Science  prac- 
titioners. Naturally,  Christian  Science  became  a  study,  in 
which  she  found  the  fundamental  truths  and  principles 
alreadj'  the  basis  of  her  long  and  fruitful  spiritual  travel. 
The  law  of  spiritual  healing  was  clearly  and  logically 
stated,  but  the  foundation  was  the  same  as  that  revealed 
to  the  spiritually  illumined  Ann  Lee  and  her  immediate 
followers,  particularly,  the  organizers,  Joseph  Meacham 
and  Lucy  Wright.  In  familiar  instances  of  healing  under 
the  spiritual  gifts  of  Shaker  leaders,  she  read  the  intui- 
tive application  of  the  law  so  forcibly  expounded  by 
Mary  Baker  Eddy.  That  law,  unfailing  in  its  action, 
when  all  conditions  are  fulfilled,  the  people  of  Ann  Lee's 
day  were  not  prepared  to  read,  much  less  to  formulate. 
In  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Eddy,  she  said : 

"Ever  since  my  remarkable  yet  divinely  natural  re- 
covery, through  the  power  of  Divine  Love,  as  demon- 
strated through  Christian  Science  treatment,  my  hitherto 
spiritual  faith  and  practical  experience  of  Divine  Heal- 
ing has  been  quickened  by  a  new  electrical  spark  from 
the  altar  of  Divine  Inspiration,  as  manifested  through 
Christian   Science. 

"We  of  the  North  Family  of  Shakers,  with  many 
others  throughout  our  Order,  recognize  in  jj'our  teach- 
ing the  scientific  statement  and  fresh  inspiration  in  the 
revelation  of  the  truths  inherent  in  our  faith,  promul- 
gated, for  her  day  and  time,  and  practiced  to  a  surpris- 
ing   fulness,    by    our    revered    Mother,    Ann    Lee.      This 


82  Eldress  Anna  White, 

enables  us  more  rapidly  to  lay  hold  of  the  truth  and 
appreciate    its    beauty   and   power. 

"You  are  one  of  those  who  have  come  up  out  of  great 
tribulation,  and  the  whole  wide  world  owes  you  a  tribute 
of  respect,  of  veneration  and  of  love,  for  the  self-sacri- 
ficing spirit  you  have  manifested  for  the  good  of  human- 
ity. I  would  add  to  the  many  testimonials,  my  word  of 
gratitude  and  loving  appreciation.  God  bless  and  keep 
you  in  the  hollow  of  His  Hand,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of 

"Your  Shaker  friend,  Anna  White." 

A  return  gift  from  out  the  years  came  one  August 
day,  when,  in  a  somewhat  confused  message  over  the 
'phone,  was  heard  the  name  of  Hanna  Baker  and  the 
fact  that  some  one  would  soon  be  at  the  railroad  station. 
A  team  was  despatched  and  in  due  time  a  sunny-faced 
friend  appeared,  who  announced  herself  "one  of  Hanna 
Baker's  girls,"  and  said  that  Hanna  herself  was  only 
a  few  miles  away.  At  once,  a  peremptory  summons  was 
sent  over  the  wires, — "To  Hanna  Baker,  Come  to  Mount 
Lebanon  at  once.  Anna  White."  At  sunset,  standing 
in  the  house-door,  with  her  rare,  sweet  smile,  her  face 
alight  virith  expectant  love,  she  greeted  a  tall,  noble- 
looking  woman,  who  same  swiftly  up  the  walk,  "Is  this 
my  little  girl?"  Last  seen  when  parted  from  at  four 
years  of  age,  the  never  forgotten  child  of  her  best-loved 
sister  Phebe  was  clasped  in  her  arms.  The  years  had 
dealt  graciously.  A  graduate  of  Bellevue,  for  many  years 
the  Head  of  a  Training  School  for  nurses,  she  had  gath- 
ered about  'her  hundreds  of  young  women,  to  whom  she 
had  been  teacher,  friend  and  guide,  and  in  her  own  life- 
path  had  traveled  side  by  side  in  spiritual  unfoldment 
and  soul  activities,  with  her  beloved  Aunt  Anna.  Hence- 
forth, her  visits  were  the  joy  of  every  summer,  their  lov- 
ing talks,  like  their  letters,  always  in  the  sv/eet  "simple 
language"  of  the  early  Quaker  home.  Once,  Hanna  wrote, 
"This   letter   is   enclosing   the   little  poem   written   many 


Memories  of  Her  Sister  Phebe.  83 

years  ago  and  which,  because  it  toiiched  hearts,  1  sup- 
pose, was  quite  widely  copied  in  some  of  the  papers. 
Thee  will  care  for  it,  I  am  sure.  Our  dear  Mother  was 
so  bright,  so  full  of  affection,  so  helpful  to  everyone 
who  came  in  her  way,  I  saw  an  expression  of  hers  many 
times  in  thy  face,  Aunt  Anna  dear.  1  am  glad  that  com- 
ing to  thee  after  such  a  long  absence,  I  could  carry 
to  thee,  in  my  heart  and  face,  something  of  my  dear 
Mother's   spirit." 

"MOTHER'S  WAY. 

"Oft  within  our  little  cottage, 

As   the   shadows   gently    fall. 
While    the    sunlight    touches    softly 

One  sweet   face  upon  the  wall. 
As   we   gather   close   together, 

And  in  hushed  and  tender  tone, 
Ask   each   other's    full    forgiveness 

For  the  wrong  that  each   has  done ; 
Should  you  wonder  why  this  custom 

At  the  ending  of  the  day. 
Eye  and  voice  would  quickly  answer : 

'It  was  once  our  Mother's  way.' 

"If  our  home  be  bright  and  cheery, 

If  it  hold  a  welcome  true, 
Opening  wide  its  door  of  greeting 

To  the  many,  not  the  few; 
If  we  share  our  Father's  bounty 

With  the  needy,  day  by  day, 
'Tis  because  our  hearts   remember. 

This   was   ever   Mother's   way. 

"Sometimes,    when  our   hands   grow   weary. 
Or  our  tasks  seem  very  long, 
When   our  burdens   look  too  heavy. 


,%  ExDRESS  Anna  White. 

And    we   deem   the   right   all    wrong, 
Then  we  gain  a  new,  fresh  courage, 

As   we   rise,   to  proudly   say : 
"Let  us  do  our  duty  bravely, 

This   was   our   dear   Mother's   way.' 

"Thus  we  keep  her  memory  precious, 

While  we  never  cease  to  pray, 
That  at  last,  when  lengthening  shadows 

Mark  the  evening  of  life's  day, 
They   may   find    us    waiting  calmly, 
To  go  home  our   Mother's  way." 

— By  Hanna  Baker. 

One,  who  had  been  separated  from  the  home  for  a 
period  of  years,  had  found  her  way  back  for  an  annual 
visit  and  one  of  her  best  treats  was  to  carry  oflf  "the  little 
Mother"  for  a  visit  to  Old  Ocean,  at  Asbury  Park,  this 
city  by  the  sea  being  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Eldress 
Anna's  childhood  home.  One  day,  her  old  playmate,  Eric 
Parmley,  called  upon  her  and  took  her  to  ride,  as  in  the 
days  of  the  pony  and  donkey  cart  of  long  ago.  The  same 
genial,  kindly  spirit  was  manifest  in  the  gray-haired 
physician  as  in  the  little  playmate  of  sixty  years  before. 
and  the  scenes  of  their  childhood  were  re-visited,  greatly 
to  her  delight.  The  same  quiet  tide-river,  the  wind-mill, 
the  fences  and  meadows  were  all  there,  and  the  same 
blue,  dancing  waves  and  gray  Atlantic  Avastes.  But  the 
feeble  frame  was  no  longer  able  to  enjoy  plunges  into 
the  white-crested  billows,  although  the  salt  sea  breezes 
brouglit  their   cheering,   strengthening  influence. 

With  the  sunset  years  came  increasing  tenderness  and 
ever  more  frequent  expressions  of  motherliness.  In 
meeting,  she  was  quick  to  respond  to  testimony  or  effort, 
especially  from  the  younger  or  less  experienced  Believers. 
She  entered  into  the  spirit  and  feelings  of  all.  even  the 


Her  Mother-Heart,  the  Center.  8S 

tastes  and  wishes  of  the  children  receiving  her  careful 
attention.  Very  little  escaped  her  notice.  Going  or  com- 
ing through  the  house-door,  at  the  click  of  the  gate- 
latch,  her  bright,  interested  face  would  be  seen  at  the 
window.  Starting  for  a  ramble,  a  glance  upward  would 
show  her  faithful  eyes  following,  while  a  sympathetic 
wave  of  the  hand  and  her  smile,  "the  sweetest  smile  hu- 
man face  ever  wore,"  threw  all  good  fortune  and  bless- 
ing on  the  path.  One  writes  of  "Her  watchful  care,  when 
any  one  went  away  from  home,  her  motherly  thought  of 
every  need,  if  any  lack  for  comfort  or  comeliness,  how 
quick  to  provide  for  the  need  from  the  best  of  her  own 
personal  supplies !  Always  present  to  give  the  parting- 
word  of  affection  and  Godspeed,  and,  on  the  return,  the 
welcome  greeting,  no  matter  how  late  the  hour  or  how 
full  had  been  the  day.  Others  might  be  preparing  ths 
abundant  meal,  the  comfortable  room  or  the  song  of  wel- 
come, but  always  the  mother-heart,  as  the  center  of  union, 
most  of  all  contributed  the  feeling  of  true  home-coming. 
So  kindly  faithful  was  she,  also,  in  writing  to  absent 
members,  often  rising  very  early  for  that  purpose, — in- 
terweaving expressions  of  affection  and  soulful  thought 
with  such  items  of  home-life  as  would  keep  the  absent 
one  pleasantly  in  touch  with  all  its  interests,  without  the 
feeling  that  any  one  would  curtail  the  pleasure  or  the 
restfulness  of  the  vacation.  In  these  and  countless  other 
ways,  she  did  so  much  to  change  what  otherwise  might 
have  been  the  tendency  to  a  cold,  rigid  discipline  of  in- 
stitutional life  into  the  warm,  genial  and  attractive  at- 
mosphere of  a  true  home." 

Often,  while  she  had  strength  to  do  so,  she  would 
wander  out  in  the  nearby  fields,  enjoying  the  outing  as 
intensely  as  once  she  would  have  done  a  much  more 
extended  excursion.  One  summer,  when  the  home  pickers 
reported  the  mountain  blue  with  berries,  she  had  just 
begun  to  get  about  after  a  serious  illness.    The  day  of 


86  Eldress  Akna  White. 

a  berry  parly,  she  planned  lu  accompany  them,  kept  very 
still  about  lier  plans,  and,  when  the  party  were  nearly 
all  seated,  with  her  one  confederate  on  the  alert,  she 
quickly  skipped  out  the  door,  darted  into  the  wagon  and 
calling,  "Grood-bye !"  to  the  amazed  lookers-on,  drove 
off  triumphant.  How  she  enjoyed  that  day  on  the  moun- 
tain! The  wagon  taking  her  up  as  far  as  possible,  the 
strong  arm  of  her  attendant  and  the  glad,  loving  hearts 
of  her  companions  making  smooth  all  the  rough  places, 
the  long,  bright  hours,  the  wide,  familiar  views  and  the 
inner  scenes  of   happy  memories ! 

"In  all  my  fifty-six  years  at  Mount  Lebanon,  I  never 
saw  so  wonderful  a  season !"  she  exclaimed,  after  spend- 
ing an  October  afternoon  in  1905,  above  the  ravine,  a 
favorite  woodland  haunt.  The  light  on  the  hills,  she 
compared  to  the  Revelator's  vision,  and  the  glory  was 
repeated  in  every  nearby  bush,  aster,  or  whitened  spray 
of  golden-rod.  Leaning  on  her  companion's  shoulder, 
she  dropped  into  a  light  slumber,  then  awakened  to  revel 
in  the  sights  and  sounds  of  these  'hillside,  woodside  places, 
known  and  loved  for  over  half  a  century,  and  to  sing, 
one  after  another,  sweet  old  songs,  to  whose  inspiration 
these  scenes  had  given  form. 

"Oh  the  Beautiful  Hills,  where  the  Blest  have  trod," 
she  loved  to  sing  when  out  in  sight  of  the  hills.  To  both, 
it  was  a  day  of  vision,  Hke  that  in  Patmos,  earth  be- 
came one  with  heaven,  past  toil  and  future  triumph 
blended,  while  the  feet  of  many  an  unseen  but  not  unfelt 
spirit  comrade  pressed  the  soft  grass  at  her  side. 

Across  the  way  from  where  she  spent  so  many  busy 
hours  at  her  desk,  on  the  edge  of  the  wood  planted  by 
Elder  Frederick,  grew  a  hedge  of  golden-rod.  Good 
Brother  Levi,  neat  and  careful,  was  seen  one  morning 
with  his  scythe  busily  mowing  them  down.  Up  went 
her  window,  and,  with  a  cheery  greeting  and  a  word 
of  approval  for  his  gift  of  neatness  and  order,  she  begged 


Favorite  Poems  and  Hymns.  87 

that  the  part  of  the  hedge,  opposite  her!  window,  might 
be  spared.  She  loved  to  look  at  them,  they  reminded  her 
of  dear  Sister  Martha,  who  so  loved  them  and  had  writ- 
ten a  beautiful  poem  about  the  golden-rod.  With  an 
indulgent  smile,  the  w-hite-haired  brother  stayed  his  hand, 
shouldered  his  scytlie,  and  the  golden-crested  flowers 
lived  on,  bearing  their  sunny  message  to  her,  year  by  year. 
On  her  last  summer,  she  one  day  spoke  to  a  friend,  the 
beloved  "Sister  Annie,"  of  many  summer  sojourns,  of 
the  beauty  of  that  wooded  hillside,  its  lights  and  shadows 
tile  deep,  dark  caves  in  its  dense  foliage,  and  the  brigh'. 
tlowers  along  the  fence,  and  recited  a  little  poem  lately 
learned,  about  the  golden-rod, 

"Bright    afterthought    of    summer. 
Flame  of  the  golden  noon." 

Her  memory  held  many  a  poetic  gem  and,  even  in  her 
80th  year,  she  easily  committed  many  a  poetic  passage. 
Whitticr  was  a  great  favorite,  Father  Ryan  was  another. 
A  poem  entitled  "Watch"  was  often  upon  her  lips,  and 
she  would  hand  out  its  type-written  lines  to  friends,  who 
listened  to  her  recital  wdth  deep  feeling.  Her  peculiar 
gift  of  recitation,  of  a  deep  spiritual  rendering  of  poetic 
utterances  that  appealed  to  her  thought  or  feeling,  has 
opened  a  new  world  of  vision  to  many  a  listener,  in  lines 
long  familiar.  She  loved  certain  hymns.  "My  latest  sun 
is  sinking  fast."  "Nearer  My  God  to  Thee."  "Come  ye 
sinners,  poor  and  needy."  "Jesus.  Lover  of  my  soul," 
and  "Bringing  in  the  Sheaves,"  which  she  first  heard 
from  tlie  lips  of  Estelle  Hutchinson,  were  favorites,  and 
she  loved  to  sing  them  in  the  twiHght,  or  to  hear  them 
sung  by  the  young  voices  that  often  sang  for  her. 

She  often  repeated  Sydney  Lanier's  exquisite  "Into  the 
woods  my  Master  went,"  as  expressive  of  her  own  feel- 
ing in  the  spirit  ministration  of  the  woods.  Her  love  of 
flowers  was  remembered  Ijy  her  many  friends,  the  chil- 
dren bringing  her  the  fust  bright  blossoms  of  the  spring 


88  Eldress  Anna  White. 

and  their  floral  offerings  at  all  seasons.  A  certain  rose 
path,  the  care  and  pride  of  one  of  the  sisters,  always 
held  for  her  its  first  bloom  and  its  last.  The  last  autumn 
of  her  stay,  it  gave  her  a  rose  on  the  very  verge  of  No- 
vember, and  the  year  after  her  passing  from  sight,  its 
blooms  were  placed  daily  at  her  seat  at  the  table,  "for 
Eldress  Anna." 

At  the  coming  of  the  summer  of  1909,  her  companion 
of  sixty  years,  Sister  Eliza  Rayson,  upon  whose  tried 
goodness  and  mighty  faith  she  leaned,  suddenly  left 
her.  On  the  Saturday  evening,  before  her  brief  illness, 
as  she  came  down  stairs,  herself  quite  lame,  Eldress  Anna 
was  sitting  on  the  sofa  in  the  hall,  before  going  into 
family  meeting.  Sister  Eliza  gave  one  of  her  sweet  smiles 
and  said,  in  passing,  "Be  strong,  Eldress  Anna,  be  strong !" 
These  words  were  often  repeated  and  were  the  key-note 
of  all  her  songs  of  faith  and  brave  endurance  in  the  year 
and  a  half  that  Eldress  Anna  remained.  In  the  long 
winter  passed  in  her  room  with  its  eastern  windows,  the 
Avonder  grew  whether  she  felt  shut  in  by  the  tree-clad 
hill,  or  if  the  bare  trees  seemed  dreary.  As  if  she  felt 
the  thought,  she  one  day  remarked, — "I  am  so  glad  I  live 
on  this  side  of  the  house.  I  have  to  look  up.  If  I  looked 
out  over  the  valley,  I  might  be  drawn  to  look  down  to 
earth  in  my  feelings,  but  here,  my  thought  is  always 
lifted  up." 

"The  embodiment  of  sunshine,  sitting  in  the  sun, — thus 
we  shall  always  think  of  her,"  remarked  S'ister  Cecelia 
DeVere,  a  few  days  before  she  herself  followed  her  be- 
loved Eldress.  Her  bright,  strong  intellect,  vigorous  to 
the  last,  her  grasp  of  detail,  her  illumined  vision,  made 
of  the  room  \Vhere  she  sat  enthroned  in  the  love  of 
family  and  friends,  a  council  chamber,  whither  came  bur- 
den-bearers from  many  places,  seeking  her  wisdom  and 
spiritual  insight.  Children,  kneeling  at  her  feet,  received 
her  motherly  blessing.    She  had  always  felt  her  home  to 


"O  Sing  of  the  Beautiful  Hills."  89 

be  the  kingdom  of  heaven  upon  earth,  and  she  noted 
and  cared  for  its  common  blessings,  when  pain  and  weak- 
ness had  made  of  life  a  patient  overcoming,  a  silent 
battle  within  the  soul,  whose  echoes  were  heard  in  songs 
of  unfaltering  faith  and  words  of  good  cheer.  One  morn- 
ing, she  wrote  to  her  niece, — 

"This  bright,  glorious  morning,  induced  me  to  do 
something  more  than  sit  in  easy  chair  with  folded  hands, 
enjoying  nature's  bounty  to  the  full,  without  in  some 
way  partaking  with  others  of  the  rich  feast.  Imagine 
the  grand  old  mountains,  towering  high  in  the  distance, 
covered  with  a  verdant  green  carpet,  and  nearer  by,  with 
groves  of  maple  and  locust,  birch,  etc.,  and  cultivated 
fields  of  corn,  rye,  oats,  buckwheat.  Does  it  not  inspire 
one  to  sing  of  the  Beautiful  Hills  that  rise  on  the  ever- 
green shore?  O  sing  of  the  beautiful  hills,  where  the 
weary  shall  toil  no  more? 

"Nearer  by  are  the  gardens,  with  straight  long  rows  of 
growing  vegetables, — peas  as  sweet  as  sugar,  beets  ditto, 
lettuce,  onions,  radishes  and  spinach,  and  the  rest  of  the 
vegetable  creation,  with  fruits  of  raspberries  and  currants. 
Xo  strawberries,  this  year,  of  our  own  raising.  Still 
nearer  to  us  in  the  dooryard,  the  velvety  lawn,  whereon 
may  be  seen,  of  a  Tuesday  morning,  bare-armed  sisters, 
hanging  out  the  family  washing,  and  every  afternoon, 
our  four  girls,  with  their  croquet  set.  or,  seated  in  the 
shade  of  the  horse-chestnut  tree,  darning  stockings,  mend- 
ing clothes,  or  making  little  things  for  the  store.  This 
lawn  was  given  to  me  by  Elder  Frederick,  that  is,  to  look 
after  and  keep  in  order," 

All  through  the  long,  bright  summer  days,  she  enjoyed 
the  lawn  and  the  trees,  sitting  in  her  wheeling-chair,  or 
moving  about  the  grounds.  Once,  caught  in  the  quick, 
wild  rush  of  a  sudden  shower,  her  gleeful  laugh  and 
enjoyment  of  the  fun  was  like  a  child's. 

Her  latest  song  was  never   sung.    Were  the  lines  she 


go  Eldress  Anna  White. 

whispered,  one  night,  in  the  ear  of  a  loved  child,  say- 
ing. "This  comes  to  me  in  this  hour,  of  which  you  know 
nothing,"  breathing  the  sense  of  dependence  and  rest  in 
the  arms  everlasting,  the  song  gift  that  came  for  her 
alone?  In  a  vision  of  the  night,  she  received  and  gave 
voice  to  a  message  of  cheer  and  encouragement  from 
unseen  watchers.  After  that,  there  was  a  subtle  but  dis- 
tinct change  in  her  manner.  She  seemed  to  wait  for  the 
time  of  earthly  suffering  to  end,  as  the  promise  came  to 
her,  although  she  often  referred,  simply  and  naturally, 
to  coming  days,  as  if  expectant  of  renewed  pleasure  in 
them.  She  many  times  repeated  the  words  of  her  friend, 
Eldress  Mary  Ann  Gillespie,  "I  want  to  live  and  see 
the  gospel  open  and  the  new  time  come  in!"  One  day, 
after  her  practitioner  had  left  her,  with  encouraging 
words,  she  exclaimed  brightly,  as  she  was  assisted  to  her 
couch, — "O  we  shall  see  lots  of  good  times,  yet !" 

How  she  loved  the  ninetj^-first  Psalm !  On  its  grand 
pulsations,  she  had  once  been  wafted  back  to  our  earth- 
shores.  On  her  last  night,  in  the  hours  of  weariness, 
it  was  read  to  her,  with  favorite  passages  from  the  little 
book  of  Mrs.  Eddy's,  which  she  loved  so  well,  and  her 
face  took  on  its  uplifted  look,  as  she  rested  again  on 
the  word  of  strength.  The  December  day  had  been  very 
dark,  and,  as  she  felt  sight  fading,  she  softly  said,  "T 
cannot  see !  Yea,  I  know  the  real  sight  is  here !"  Some 
one  asked  her  how  she  did,  and  she  replied  cheerily,  "I 
am  doing  well.  'Divine  Love  always  has  met  and  always 
will  meet  every  human  need.' "  She  slipped  from  the 
arms  that  held  her  as  the  bright  sunshine  came  pouring 
over  the   hill,   flooding  her   room   with   light. 

These  chapters  from  the  scattered  leaves  of  her  book 
of  earth-life  may  close  with  lines  from  the  pages  of  her 
note-book,  where  we  saw  her,  day  by  day,  pencilling 
them  down. 


The  New  Life  of  the  Spirit.  91 

"You  may  search  the  whole  world  over, 

Seeking  rest  and  finding  none, 
Not   until   the   inner   temple 

Opes   its   portals,   one  by  one. 
Will  you  find  that  blessed  kingdom 

Spoken  of   by   God's   dear   Son — 
Peace  and  joy  will  then  attend  you, 

Perfect  love  cast  out  all  fear, 
Truth  and  faith  will  guide  you  ever 

To  a  holier,  happier  sphere." 

'Peace,  joy,  health  and  prosperity  and  Love,  which  casteth 

out  all  fear 
Attend  you  Now   and   Forevermore.  "A.  W." 


XI 


Soul  Relationship. 

ONE  whose  advent  at  Mount  Lebanon  occurred 
the  day  that  Eldress  Anna  took  the  position 
of  Associate  Eldress  in  the  North  Family,  and 
who,  for  more  than  forty  years,  was  nearer 
to  her  in  a  soul-to-soul  relationship  than  to  any  other 
human  being,  may  find  it  difficult  to  give  any  satisfactory 
testimony  to  the  privilege  of  those  years,  because  experi- 
ences most  sacred  must  ever  remain  veiled  in  the  silent 
sanctuary  of  the  soul. 

To  one  capable  of  receiving  an  understanding  faith 
in  the  new  life  of  the  Spirit,  the  initial  step  from  even 
the  sweetest,  purest  and  highest  in  earthly  relationship, 
over  the  threshold  of  the  new  life,  is  a  most  momentous 
period  in  the  journey  of  a  soul,  and  she,  who,  in  her  own 
lovely  girlhood,  while  freely  sharing  the  best  the  world 
could  give,  and  living  to  the  high  standard  of  righteous- 
ness  of   an    earnest   Quaker   family,   yet    heard   the   call 


g2  Eldress  Anna  White. 

"Come  up  higher,"  was  especially  fitted  to  echo  that 
call  to  other  souls. 

With  generous  recognition  of  the  good  in  all  religious 
teachings,  encouraging  gratitude  and  reverence  to  parents 
and  friends  who  had  guided  in  virtue's  path,  hers  was 
a  sweet  persuasiveness  to  step  upon  higher  ground.  First, 
the  understa;nding  must  be  reached,  the  mind  illumined 
and  reason  convinced,  then  the  spiritual  germ  must  be 
quickened,    the   heart    convicted,    the    soul    baptized. 

Types  and  shadows  of  ancient  Israel,  inspired  utter- 
ances of  the  prophets  and  the  beautiful  teachings  of  the 
Christ,  all  were  placed  in  such  harmonious  relation,  one 
with  the  other,  as  to  reveal  the  grand  unity  of  truth, 
the  goal  of  all  progress.  The  Scriptures  were  illumined 
with  deeper  spiritual  meaning.  The  sacred  day  of  atone- 
ment, when  the  High  Priest  laded  the  iniquities  of  the 
people  on  the  scape-goat,  to  be  borne  out  to  the  wilder- 
ness of  forget  fulness,  the  baptism  in  Jordan,  with  that 
repentance  and  confession,  which  was  the  initial  step 
in  entering  the  Christian  life,  then  the  deeper  baptism 
of  fire  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  which  the  at-one- 
ment  with  God  could  be  realized, — all  were  presented 
with  such  unction  as  to  silence  vain  sophistry  and  the 
pleadings  of  nature,  under  the  power  of  conviction, 
with  no  alternative  but  to  enter  in  at  "the  open  door." 

No  stranger  is  present  to  reproach  or  condemn,  but 
a  tender,  comprehending  friend,  touched  with  a  feeling 
of  all  human  infirmity,  renewing  the  sweet  invitation, 
"Come  unto  me."  Gladly  the  burden  is  cast  aside,  hidden 
conflicts  are  made  known, — failures,  disappointments,  re- 
morse, or  grief.  Surely  no  human  power  could  bring 
such  deep  relief,  and  there  has  been  no  sense  of  human 
presence.  Through  a  humble  witness,  the  saving  spirit 
of  Christ  has  been  manifest.  An  aching  void  is  filled, 
the  soul  is  inspired  with  more  definite  purpose,  stronger 
resolve  and  truer  ideals.     The  good  of  the  past  is  gath- 


Hek  Testimony  Was  a  Quickening  Power.       93 

cred  up  to  be  builded  into  the  structure  of  the  new  life. 

Do  some  query  whether  it  is  possible  to  develop  freely 
and  deeply  the  highest  functions  of  womanhood  without 
experiencing  maternity  on  the  plane  of  nature?  Eldress 
Anna  was  richly  endowed  with  maternal  sentiments. 
Beautiful  type  of  virgin  Motherhood!  But  hers  was  the 
travail  to  bring  souls  into  the  second  birth.  For  this, 
how  earnestly  she  labored.  With  what  care  and  constancy, 
the  germ  of  this  new  life  was  watched  and  nurtured,  only 
those  who  have  shared  her  devoted  care  and  witnessed 
its   manifestation   to  other  hearts  can   fully  appreciate. 

That  deep  reverence  for  truth  which  was  fundamental 
in  her  nature  made  fertile  the  soil  alike  for  strongest 
virtues  and  tenderest  graces.  Her  testimony,  keen  and 
searching,  was  a  quickening  power.  Her  correction  or 
reproof,  never  in  a  critical,  fault-finding  spirit,  was 
frank  and  dignified,  as  heart  speaking  to  heart  in  that  sin- 
cere friendship,  which  sought  only  to  render  helpful  ser- 
vice. Never  were  tones  more  tenderly  pleading,  more 
vibrant  with  love,  than  those  which  called  the  soul  home 
to  repentance,  to  deeper  baptism,  to  renewed  consecra- 
tion, to  holier  living.  Those  in  earnest  for  self-conquest 
and  spiritual  attainment,  in  joy  and  gratitude  could  kiss 
the  rod  and  feel  anew  the  blessed  Presence  on  the  Mount 
of  Olives  or  in  the  soul's  Gethsemane.  Where  responsive- 
ness was  reluctant,  little  faith  existed,  or,  for  the  time 
being  was  overshadowed,  was  manifest  the  greatest  pa- 
tience, the  long-suffering  and  constancy  of  a  true  mother- 
love  for  the  feeble  or  delinquent  child. 

When  one,  who  had  long  required  special  considera- 
tion, seemed  only  to  render  ingratitude,  misconceiving  and 
■harshly  criticizing  motives,  resisting  tenderest  appeals  and 
even  maligning,  still,  with  exhaustless  patience,  with  fath- 
omless maternal  love,  Eldress  Anna  was  making  new  ef- 
forts to  win  the  erring  one.  A  sister  said,  "Eldress  Anna, 
why  continue  t)o  do  so  much  for  one  so  ungrateful,  so 


94  Eldress  Anna  White. 

bitter  and  in  every  way  so  unworthy  of  your  love?  Surely 
you  might  feel  that  in  her  case  the  full  measure  of  your 
duty  has  been  done.  Why  not  leave  her  to  bear  the  weight 
of  her  own  wrong  till  she  comes  to  her  right  mind?" 

Eldress  Anna  replied, — "Her  wrong  cannot  hurt  me,  and 
if  it  could,  that  should  make  no  difference  in  my  efforts 
in  her  behalf.  There  can  be  no  limit  to  my  duty  in 
reclaiming  or  helping  any  soul  whom  my  influence  can 
reach.  When  anyone  is  under  a  shadow,  then  most  a 
true  friend  is  needed.  When  most  unlovely,  the  greatest 
need  for  love  to  uplift  and  restore  to  the  true  self, — the 
child,  of  God." 

In  reference  to  all  temporal  duties,  Eldress  Anna's 
teachings  embodied  the  precept  of  our  Foimder,  "Lift 
hands  to  work  and  hearts  to  God."  Herself  energetic  and 
unusually  skillful,  leaving  the  stamp  of  honor  and  artistic 
sentiment  on  whatever  her  hands  found  td  do,  she  was 
patient  and  generously  lenient  with  those  less  gifted.  The 
motives  which  prompted,  the  efforts  made,  the  spirit  of 
consecration,  were  the  important  factors,  the  imperishable 
qualities. 

As  la  temple  of  the  soul  and  instrument  of  its  expres- 
sion in  this  world,  the  physical  body  should  be  judiciously 
cared  for,  a  balance  maintained  conducive  to  highest  ser- 
vice. Soul  and  body  are  interdependent.  Only  as  labor 
or  anything  of  the  sense  life  contributed  to  the  immortal, 
could  it  be  of  true  value.  S"piritual  activities  alone  were 
vital.  That  these  teachings  had  been  essentially  a  part 
of  her  own  life  was  wonderfully  evinced  in  the  years 
of  her  physical  decline.  Peculiarly  appropriate  to  her, 
the  stanza — 

"How  happy  that  immortal  mind. 

That  rests  beneath  Jehovah's  wings. 
Who  sweet  employment  there  can  find. 
Without  the  help  of  earthly  things." 


In  Her  Heart  a  Heavenly  Peace.  95 

It  is  the  immortal  mind  that  comprehendeth  the  things 
of  tlie  spirit.  Unusually  free  of  limb  and  clear  of  vision, 
she  who  had  been  so  active  in  varied  temporal  cares  and 
with  increasing  demands  upon  her  rarely  gifted  pen, 
seemed  never  to  forget  the  injunction,  "Seek  ye  first  the 
Kingdom  of  God  and  His  righteousness."  During  the 
long  months  when  vision  was  veiled  and  limbs  had  lost 
their  power,  did  she  cease  to  be  busy?  Ah,  nay!  While 
yet  clothed  with  the  mortal,  she  rested  beneath  Jehovah's 
wings.  In  her  heart  was  a  heavenly  peace  and  glad  song 
of  triumph.  She  had  risen  above  the  things  of  sense  into 
the  realm  of  spirit,  where  her  strong  soul  communed 
with  higher  powers,  received  and  dispensed  the  bread 
and  waters  of  life — 'a  veritable  substance.  Many  outside 
of  our  borders  realized  this  and  would  come  tedious  jour- 
neys,^ for  the  privilege  of  sitting  a  few  moments  in  the 
sunlight  of  her  presence,  always  feeling  refreshed  and 
uplifted,  and,  as  one  expressed  it,  "enveloped  in  that 
mighty  power  of  love  which  like  a  sacred  chrism  flowed 
to  her  garment's  hem." 

Eldress  M.  Catherine  Allen, 

Mount  Lebanon,  N.   Y. 

OUR  ELDRESS  ANiNA. 

We'd  stood  so  long  at  the  portal, 

Hiad  watched  from  day  to  day. 
The  wearing  away  of  the  mortal. 

The  weakening  of  the  sway 
Of  the  flesh  o'er  mind  and  spirit, 

Till  they  rose  on  victor  wings. 
And  the  frailties  all  inherit 

Flung  aside  as  useless  things, — 

But  a  step,  a  breath,  a  whisper 
Seemed  between  her  and  the  call 


Eldress  Anna  White. 

Of  tlie  kind  and  patient  angel 
Who  smiling  waits  for  all, — 

Yet  lOur  hearts  sank  low  in  sorrow, 

When  they  said  the  change  had  come,- 

Ah !    tomorrow  and  tomorrow 
Without  her  in  the  home ! 

For  she  'had  a  loving  interest 

In  our  work  and  in  our  ways, — 
Was  so  slow  to  judge  the  lapses 

And  sio  ready  with  'her  praise! 
Soon  her  room  became  a  temple, 

And  her;  chair  a  holy  shrine, 
Where  each  day  her  dauntless  spirit 

Pressed  more  near  to  the  Divine. 

But  the   shrine,   alas !    is   empty, 

And  the  curtain  fallen  low! 
For  the  frail  white  form  is  l^'ing 

'N'eatli  the  scarcely  whiter  snow, — 
Had  it  only  been  in  summer, 

When  the  lilies,  tall  and  fair. 
And  the  roses  sent  their  perfume 

Pulsing  through  the  crystal  air! 

Or  in  springtime's  resurrection 

When  the  days  grow  bright  and  long. 
Sweetened  by  the  pink  larbutus. 

Quickened  by  the  robin's  song! — 
Well  she  loved  the  birds  and  flowers, 

Grey  old  hills  in  golden  dreams, 
Skies  in  ever-changing  splendor. 

Swaying  trees  and  singing  streams. 

Does  it  matter  when  the  mantle 
Frayed  by  pain  is  laid  away? 


To  Her,  Truth   Was  the  Gift  of  God.  97 

Shall  we  mourn  wlicii  our  dim  twilight 

Is  the  dawning  of  her  day? 
Though    tiie   mists   of   that   strange   dawning 

Hide  her  from  us  for  awhile, 
We  shall  meet  another   morning, 
Feel  her'  love  and  see  her  smile. 

Grace  Ada  Brown, 

Mount  Lebanon. 


A  TRIBUTE  OF  AFFECTION. 

Although  the  visible  presence  of  our  beloved  Eldress 
Anna  is  no  longer  with  us,  yet  we  know  her  spirit  hovers 
near  to  minister  its  treasures  of  life,  strength  and  encour- 
agement to  her  children.  None  knew  our  needs  better 
than  she,  who  was  from  early  womanhood  devotedly 
identified  with  them.  In  her  we  still  trust.  To  her,  our 
dearest,  sweetest  affections  flow  like  the  waves  of  the  sea. 
I  love  to  dwell  on  the  great  worth  of  her  character.  Sixty 
years  ago,  when  I  entered  the  North  Family,  a  little  girl 
of  nine  years,  it  was  my  good  fortune  to  be  placed  under 
her  immediate  charge,  and  the  love  that  I  gained  for  her 
has  grown  and  increased  with  the  years.  During  all  that 
time,  I  have  never  known  Eldress  Anna  to  bring  up  or 
refer  to  a  fault  or  error  that  has  been  put  away  accord- 
ing to  the  teaching!  of  our  gospel  faith.  And  now  it  is 
a  consolation  to  look  over  our  life  path  and  see  that  no 
shadow  from  her  or  no  drop  of  bitternessi  fell  into  my 
heart.  Her  love  for  souls  was  too  great  to  leave  it  pos- 
sible for  aught  that  could  hurt  the  "oil  or  wine"  to  find 
even  a  thoughtless  manifestation.  Slie  went  to  her  duties, 
as  the  farmer  goes  to  the  soil,  determined  zealously  to  get 
the  best.  She  met  the  truth  in  the  same  spirit.  To  her  it 
was  the  real  substance,  the  gift  of  God,  to  be  accepted  as 
it  was  by  herself,  and  then  in  ringing  tones  given  out  to 


98  Eldress  Anna  White. 

the   multitudes,   no   matter   how    adverse   that   multitude 
might  be. 

Yea,  she  would  fearlessly  have  walked  into  the  fur- 
nace,— ^into  the  martyr's  fire,  rather  than  shrink  from  bear- 
ing the  testimony  of  her  divine  faith.  Her  yea  was  yea 
and  iher  nay,  nay,  for  whatever  was  more  than  these  she 
considered  came  from  evil,  was  subterfuge,  which  is  al- 
ways sin  before  the  angels.  She  was  an  example,  a  guide, 
and  her  memory  will  be  a  lamp,  that  our  blessing  shall 
keep  bright  as  we  follow  on  to  her  eternal  home. 

Ann  Offord, 

Mount  Lebanon. 

Eldress  Anna  took  me  as  her  child  when  I  first  came 
to  her,  a  girl  of  thirteen,  and  she  was  always  a  true  Mo- 
ther to  me.  She  would  seem  to  know  when  anyone  was  in 
trouble.  At  one  time,  I  was  feeling  very  unpleasant  and 
unhappy,  and  was  trying  to  cover  the  feeling  from  every- 
one. I  had  not  been  near  Eldress  Anna,  but  she  called  me 
and  asked,  "What  is  the  matter,  Martha?"  Her  mother 
heart  and  spiritual  intuition  had  found  me  and  all  was 
well.  In  taking  care  of  children  for  over  thirty  years, 
I  would  often  be  discouraged  or  become  impatient.  But 
she  would  say,  "Martha,  they  are  all  God's  children.  They 
all  have  souls  and  are  pleasing  in  God's  sight.  Do  by 
them  as  if  you  were  responsible  for  what  they  would  be. 
The  more  difficult  a  child  is,  the  more  it  needs  you  to 
pray  for  its  salvation.  Remember  how  you  have  been 
helped,  and  give  to  the  little  ones  what  you  have  re- 
ceived." 

I  was  naturally  somewhat  clairvoyant  and  would  often 
see  or  hear  things  that  I  did  not  understand.  I  would  go 
to  Eldress  Anna  with  what  I  had  received  in  this  way, 
and  she  always  knew  what  it  meant,  but,  in  her  wisdom 
and  childlike  spirit,  she  would  often  give  me  a  word  of 
counsel,  or  say,  "If  there  is  anything  more.  I  would  be 
glad  to  know." 


Our  Mother  Was  Our  Captain.  99 

While  strong,  firm  and  determined,  she  was  so  sym- 
pathetic and  affectionate,  that  if  any  of  her  household 
were  absent  from  home,  she  would  be  the  last  at  night 
and  the  first  in  the  morning  to  think  of  the  absent  one 
and  send  a  loving  thought  of  greeting  or  protection  about 
that  one.  At  one  time,  I  was  absent  from  home  for 
several  months,  and  when  I  returned,  for  several  days, 
she  would  often  exclaim,  "Sister  Sarah,  do  you  know 
that  Martha  is  at  home?"  This  mother  heart,  full  of  love 
for  all  God's  children  and  for  all  souls  because  they  are 
God's  children,  is  a  rich  atmosphere  in  which  to  live  and 
grow,  and  a  rich  inheritance  for  the  lives  in  her  home. 
Now, 

Gone  away  from  human  sight, 
To  diviner  life  and  light, 
Is  our  Mother. 

No  need  we   for  woe  or  weeping. 
She  is  safe  within  the  keeping 
Of  Another. 

Though  our  vision  may  be  clouded. 
And  our  faith  a  moment  shrouded 
In  the  dust. 

Soon  we  see  'tis   Hi^  good  pleasure 
To  hold  in  trust  our  treasure. 
And  we  trust. 

We  feel  joy  and  a  sacred  pride  in  the  memory  of  her 
courage,  her  heroic  leadership.  Our  Mother  was  indeed 
the  bravest  of  the  brave.  Whenever  there  was  an  im- 
portant matterj  to  be  handled,  a  crisis  to  be  faced,  she, 
our  Captain,  was  first  in  the  battle,  until  the  right  must 
and  did  prevail.      Many  a  time,  have  we  heard  her  give 


lOO  Hlduess  Anna  White. 

a  trumpet  call,  and  the  hosts  of  Israel  would  listen,  spell- 
bound.    We  have  heard  her   repeat  Lowell's  lines, — 
"Truth   forever   on  the   scaffold.    Wrong  forever   on  the 
throne. 

But  that  scaffold  sways  the  future,  and  within  the  dim 
unknown 

Standeth  God  among  the  shadows,  keeping  watch  above 
His  own," 
with  such  power  as  to  rouse  to  instant  action  all  the  best 
there  was  in  us.  We  trusted  in  her  sense  of  right,  of  jus- 
tice, honor  and  truth,  and  to-day,  while  keenly  alive  to 
our  responsibility  to  hold  up  our  high  standard  and  make 
no  compromise  with  evil,  feeling  that  we  are  stronger 
in  God  than  we  have  ever  been,  we  carry  in  our  thought 
and  purpose  the  lesson  of  her  own  beautiful  hymn, 

"When  the  ancients  of  the  city  pass  away, 
Who  will  keep  the  testimony  burning  bright? 
Who  will  hold  the  virgin  standard  snowy  white, 
Like  the  saints  who've  gone  before  us  in  our  day? 

"O'  Israel  of  God,  awake!  arise! 
Renew  the  covenants  and  counsels  seek. 
So  will  thy  God  a  precious  remnant  keep. 
To  bless  the  earth  and  render  to  Him  praise." 
Martha  Burger. 

Mount   Lebanon. 

"The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  I  shall  not  want.  He  maketh 
me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures.  He  leadeth  me  by  the 
side  of  still  waters.  He  restoreth  my  soul.  Yea,  though 
I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  vi^ill 
fear  no  evil,  for  Thou  art  with  me,  thy  rod  and  thy  staff 
they  comfort  me." 

It  is  not  death  that  is  the  mystery,  it  is  life.  Life  that 
begins  in  the  silence   and  goes   out  into  the  silence — the 


Her  Spirit  S^till  Lingers.     /  loi 

dim  unknown.  Wc  do  not  think  that  nature  has  made 
some  terrible  mistake  when-  the  flower  that  has  flung  its 
fragrance  on  the  summer  air,  touched  by  the  autumn 
frosts,  shrivels  and  dies  and  silently  slips  away.  So  it  is 
when  death  comes  to  claim  old  age,  a  well-ripened,  fruit- 
laden  life.  The  hands  are  at  rest,  having  wrought  their 
tasks  and  gathered  into  the  heavenly  garners  the  fruits  of 
a  well-spent  life.  As  t'he  frosts  of  winter  settle  down,  and 
the  evening  twilight  deepens,  it  is  then  that  Death  is  the 
beautiful  angel  to  open  the  gates  to  Immortality.  We  do 
not  grieve  as  those  bereft  of  hope,  for  we  know  that 
this  life  which  has  just  passed  from  our  mortal  vision, 
thoiig'h  earth  may  claim  its  own,  is  ripe  for  the  heavenly 
garners. 

The  spirit  of  consecration  to  God,  of  devotion  to  duty, 
of  noble  self-sacrifice,  of  high  purity  of  soul  and  of  holy 
aspiration ;  these  are  the  fruit  of  the  spirit,  the  real 
things  that  never  die.  Her  spirit  still  lingers  with  us, 
in  the  words  of  power  that  fell  from  her  lips,  the  deeds 
of  love  wrought  by  her  hands,  and  the  songs,  that  held 
the  bread  and  waters  of  life  that  welled  up  from  her 
heart  to  refresh  and  sustain,  may  be  ours  forever.  We 
thank  thee,  dear  one,  for  the  inspiration  of  thy  beautiful 
life,  so  full,  so  rich  and  so  ripe,  and  may  thy  benediction 
rest  over  us  always ! 

Annie  Rosetta  Stephens, 

Mount  Lebanon. 

I  hold  in  loving  remembrance  the  lifework  of  Eldress 
•Anna.  Otily  a  short  decade  it  has  been  my  privilege  to 
know  her.  T  loved  her  for  her  high  qualities  and  holy 
aspirations,  her  readiness  toi  give  the  helping  hand,  and 
her  desire  for  progress  in  everything  pertaining  to  the 
elevation  of  the  race.  It  has  been  said  that  the  measure 
of  a  career  is  determined  by  three  things.  First,  the 
talent  that  ancestry  gives ;  secondly,  the  opportunity  that 


102  Eldress  Anna  White. 

events  offer;  and  thirdly,  the  movements  that  the  mind 
and  will  conceive  and  compel.  Doubtless,  for  Eldress 
Anna,  ancestry  bestowed  rare  gifts.  Neither  was  oppor- 
tunity lacking  in  the  era  which  marked  her  entrance  into 
the  Society  which  was  engaged  in  Christian  reform.  Every 
day  was  an  event  filled  with  opportunity  to  do  good  to 
humanity.  Finally,  her  mind,  so  richly  endowed,  found 
ample  scope  in  promulgating  the  doctrines  of  the  Shaker 
Order,  which  was  the  choice  of  her  life, — its  talents,  posi- 
tion, wealth  and  beauty,  all  given  as  the  crowning  glory 
to  the  Christ  whose  voice  bade  her  adhere  to  principle, 
choose  service,  rather  than  selfishness,  ease  and  luxury. 
She  will  long  be  remembered  for  her  loving  words  and 
kind  advice. 

Sarah  Mazella  Gallup, 

Mount  Lebanon. 

TO  ELDRESS  ANNA. 

Through  all   the  suns  and  shades  of  years, 

We  cherish  some  sweet  thought. 
And  as  the  tide  of  life  flows  out, 

We  trace  what  this  has  wrought. 

And  thinking  thus  there  comes  to  me 

From  out  the  mist  tonight 
A  face,  whose  soul  imprint  is  truth. 

The  truth  that  loved  the  light. 

Near  to  that  face,  dear  one,  I'd  come, 

In  prayer,  join  hand  and  hands. 
That  He  who  gives  and  He  who  takes 

Stronger  may  make  our  bands. 

And  though  a  wall  has  just  loomed  up. 
That  screens  you  from  my  sight, 


Only  Beautiful  Memories.  103 

I  know  some  day  you'll  lay  it  down, 
And   show  to  me  your  light. 

This  happy  thought  I'll  cherish,   dear, 

That  you  sometimes  are  nigh, 

So  as  the  dawn  begins  to  break, 

I'll   breathe  a  short  good-bye. 

Lottie. 
Only  beautiful  memories  like  links  in  a  jewelled  chain 
are  those  which  have  connected  my  life  with  that  of  dear 
Eldress  Anna.  At  our  first  meeting,  in  the  summer  of 
1849,  we  clasped  hands  and  loved  each  other  irt  friend- 
ship true  and  sweet,  for  instinctively  we  realized  a  kin- 
dred tie. 

We  loved  not  only  to  walk  together  through  field 
and  wood,  over  hill  and  dale,  where  nature's  beauties 
lured  on  our  willing  feet;  still  more  we  loved  the  sweet 
Shaker  life  and  together  early  gave  our  pledge  of  Conse- 
cration. 

In  the  higher  spiritual  life  we  grasped  an  ideal,  to  fol- 
low Avhich  called  forth  all  that  was  truest  and  noblest 
in  our  souls.  How  pleasant  now  to  lift  the  veil  of  years 
and  from  the  summit  attained,  trace  the  pathway  of  life's 
experiences.  Whether  through  valley,  up  rugged  steeps, 
wintry  storms  or  sunlit  skies,  one  precious  faith  has 
shone   undimmed  within  our  hearts. 

Though  early  separated  by  my  removal  to  the  Church 
Family,  we  have  often  met  and  lived  over  again  our 
early  days.  Burdens  were  dropped  and  we  were  the  same 
loving  companions,  stronger  and  richer  in  the  wealth  the 
years  had  brought  us.  As  here  we  loved  to  sit  beside 
the  still  waters  in  restful  soul  communion,  "Only  a  little 
while,"  and,  in  the  words  of  one  of  Eldress  Anna's  in- 
spired songs,  "We  shall  meet,  we  shall  meet." 

Ann  Maria  Greaves, 

Mount  Lebanon. 


IQ4  Eldress  Anna  White. 

PROM  CANTERBUiR'Y,  NiEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

"I  am  a  companion  of  all  them  that  fear  thee  and  of 
them  that  keep  thy  precepts."  Psalms  CXIX,  63. 

My  last  visit  withj  Eldress  Anna,  in  1909,  left  a  very 
pleasant  memory.  Though  she  was  physically  feeble, 
her  mind  was  as  active  as  ever,  and  through  its  strong 
current  she  was  allied  with  the  powers  that  never  die. 
The  change  from  this  life  to  the  realms  of  light  in  her 
case  must  have  been  like  but  the  passing  of  a  moment. 
Eternal  life  with  'her  was  a  present  reality;  she  was  in  the 
Kingdom  of  Heaven  here,  and  its  laws  ruled  her  as  a 
willing  subject.  She  ministered  wisdom  from  above  to 
those  who  sought  guidance,  for  beyond  her  in  the  treas- 
ure land  of  God  her  heart  had  centered  its  affections, 
hence  her  supplies  were  inexhaustible. 

Now  that  she  has  passed  over  the  "Divide,"  how  she 
will  be  missed — the  ever  ready  helper  in  times  of  trouble ! 
The  loved  ones  of  her  immed'ate  home  circle,  whc  have 
witnessed  the  lamp  of  life  flicker  and  grow  dim  through 
the  passing  months,  may  have  steeled  their  hearts  to  meet 
the  inevitable.  My  sympathies  encompass  the  bereaved 
ones  who  still  bear  life's  burdens,  and  every  breath  is  a 
prayer  that  her  mantle  of  strength  and  persistent  Chris- 
tian endeavor  may  rest  upon  them,  and  the  beautiful 
presence  which  has  been  the  guiding  star  of  home  for 
many  years;  so  abide  that  none  will  feel  the  friendship 
severed  or  the  mother  heart  withdrawn. 

Lucy  A.  Shepherd. 

"Like  the  sweet  breath  of  the  morning 
Cometh  the  love  of  kindred  souls ; 
No  distance,  no  valley  or  mountain 
Impedeth  its  course,  as  onward  it  rolls." 

The   lines   readily   occur   to   mind  as   we  ofifer   tribute 


One  of  Earth's  Conquerers.  ioS 

before  a  long  and  well-spent  life.  Eldress  Anna  was 
known  and  loved  throughout  Zion.  Her  untiring  faith- 
fulness, her  interest  in  the  welfare  of  all  our  gospel 
homes,  has  helped  to  form  the  bond  of  fellowship  be- 
tween us,  which  distance  cannot  sever. 

We  feel  that  we  know  how  to  love  and  sympathize 
with  rhe  bereaved  household  at  Mount  Lebanon.  Only 
a  few  years  ago,  we  passed  through  a  similar  ordeal, 
when  our  beloved  leaders  were  removed  from  this  sphere 
of  usefulness  to  the  life  beyond.  In  this  connection  we 
sometimes  hear  the  expression,  "Our  loss  is  their  gain ;" 
but  experience  bears  us  out  in  saying  that  losing  the  tow- 
ering strength  and  protectionary  influence  of  consecrated 
lives  may  result  in  a  deeper,  broader  growth  in  the  suc- 
ceeding generations.  Almost  unawares  Christian  man- 
hood and  womanhood  rise  to  the  emergency,  and  in  the 
strife  to  maintain  gospel  principles  for  the  sake  of  those 
we  "loved  long  since  and  lost  awhile,"  a  foothold  is 
gained  in  integrity,  and  an  ability  unfolded  commensur- 
ate with  the  needs  of  the  day. 

So,  dear  friends,  while  we  extend  to  you  our  heartfelt 
sympathy  in  the  withdrawal  of  dear  Eldress  Anna,  we 
clasp  hands  in  the  pledge  that  the  God  of  our  Fathers 
shall   be  our   God,   and  their  interests  our  care. 

Elizabeth  Stirling. 

Dear  Eldress  Anna  has — shall  we  say  finished? — her 
work  with  her  people.  We  know  that  the  soul  still  lives. 
She  has  been  one  of  earth's  conquerors;  by  the  ruling 
of  her  own  spirit  she  became  greater  than  "he  that 
taketh  a  city." 

Months  had  lengthened  into  years  since  first  we  heard 
the  whispered  fears  of  her  transition ;  and  we  had  almost 
forgotten  the  monition,  so  beautifully  did  her  life  lamp 
burn!  low.     But  the   angels  did  not   forget,  nor  did  they 


io6  Eldress  Anna  White. 

miss  the  "shining  mark."  Quietly  she  glided  from  the 
"Twilight  Land"  into  the  "City  of  the  Dawn." 

Having  received  from  nature  a  fund  of  intellectual 
power  sufficient  to  carry  out  her  ideals  on  the  moral 
plane,  she  nevertheless  responded  cheerfully  to  the  call: 
"Go,  work  in  My  vineyard,"  entering  with  her  whole 
heart  into  the  service.  All  that  constituted  a  home  of 
luxury  and  pleasure  on  the  natural  plane  she  resigned, 
without  questioning  her  reward.  Wisely  she  filled  her 
measure  with  fruits  of  honest  labor,  cheerfully  sharing 
her  garnered  wealth  with  all  who  were  bidden  into  the 
same  vineyard.  Whether!  entering  at  the  first  or  at  the 
eleventh  hour,  all  were  equally  worthy  td  her;  and  never 
a  murmur  escaped  her  against  the  Husbandman.  Her 
sweet  submission  and  patience  to  what  her  conscience 
urged  as  duty  marked  the  years,  as  they  glided  by,  with 
a;  richness  and  a  brightness  all  their  own.  Out  of  sym- 
pathy for  humanity,  she  opened  the  door  of  her  heart 
and  gave  to  all  love  and  confidence.  She  kept  ajar  the 
portals  of  home,  clothed,  fed,  sheltered  all  who  ap- 
proached, gracefully  ministering  to  the  need,  whether 
physical,  mental,  moral  or  spiritual,  in  its  bearing. 

Her  spirit  outgrew  the  old  theory  of  God's  eternal 
punishments  and  in  its  place  a  soulful  affection  and  tend- 
erness drew  her  life  toward  "Our  Father  which  art  in 
Heaven ;"  and  in  this  spirit  she  sought  to  minister  to 
all  who  were  her  brothers  and  sisters  under  the  divine 
parentage.  Her  religious  fervor  was  so  sincere  that  it 
took  deeper  and  deeper  root,  broadening  into  an  abiding 
peace-evidence  of  the  divine  power  that  creates  a  new 
heart, — and  little  of  the  old  dross  remained,  that  so  often 
mars  the  likeness  of  the  spirit. 

Advancing  years  brought  their  burdens  and  changes,  but 
our  sister  matured  toward  her  gospel  mission.  She  had 
invited  the  molding  of  the  Great  Potter,  and  submissively 
bent  her  will  to  the  discipline,  that  evolved  the  beautiful 


Gifted  in  Spiritual  Ministration.  107 

symmetry  of  her  declining  years.  With  life's  lessons 
well  learned  and  her  name  on  the  angels'  roll  of  honor, 
her  sun   has  set  in)  a  halo  of  glory. 

Harriet  A.  Johns. 

IN  LOVING  MEMORY. 

We  had  the  privilege  of  meeting  Eldress  Anna  in  our 
home  at  East  Canterbury  for  the  first  time,  many  years 
ago.  She  then  impressed  us  as  one  of  the  rare  women 
of  earth,  endowed  with  superior  abilities  and  with  a 
prepossessing  personality;  can  the  finite  mind  estimate 
the  power  for  good  of  such  a  life,  sanctified  and  conse- 
crated to  the  Christian  Ministry?  If  not,  it  fails  to  do 
justice  to  the  influence  exerted  by  our  Eldress  Anna. 

Within  a  wide  circle  of  acquaintance,  our  beloved  sis- 
ter was  deeply  appreciated.  By  her,  as  a  teacher  gifted 
ill  spiritual  ministration,  souls  seeking  the  Christ-life  were 
clothed,  fed  and  blest  by  her  wealth  of  truth;  and  along 
the  highway  of  life  hers  was  "The  song  that  had  no  end." 
Although  the  "wideness"  of  her  sympathies  reached  into 
many  of  the  philanthropic  movements  of  her  day,  she 
sought  no  rank  among  the  great  ones  of  earth.  She  had 
hidden  her  "life  with  Christ  in  Grod,"  and  in  the  sanctity 
of  home  is  best  chronicled  the  beautiful  life  whose  history 
is  as  a  "song  without  words."  Richly  and  truly  has  she 
held  her  place  among  the 

"Good  women  who  are  sentinels 

In  the  darkness  of  earth's  night, 
Who  hold  with  stout  hearts  silently 

Life's  outposts  toward  the  light; 
And  at  God  Almighty's  roll  call 

'Mong  the  hosts  that  answer  'Here,' 
The  voices  of  good  women 

Sound  strong  and  sweet  and  clear." 


Io8  Eldress  Anna  White. 

Many  casual  acquaintances  fade  from  memory,  but  the 
stars  of  first  magnitude  gleam  with  a  clear  steady  light 
in  the  zenitli]  of  our  mental  vision  shedding  beams  upon 
the  lesser  lights,  as  though  connecting  witli  the  "light 
of  lights"  in  the  vast  beyond.  Even  so  the  beautiful 
life  of  Eldres^  Anna,  like  the  polar  star,  can  never  set 
below  our  horizon.  The  evolutions  of  time  only  serve  to 
lengthen  and  strengthen  its  rays,  ever  pointing  upward 
and  onward  to  higher  spiritual  progression.  In  the  courts 
of  Heaven  a  beautiful  mansion  has  been  reared,  Ave  be- 
lieve, as  a  counterpart  of  the  earthly  temple  so  perfectly 
adjusted  to  the  higher  law ;  and  the  risen  spirit  will  doubt- 
less be  perfectly  at  home  with  the  exalted  souls  of  the 
Resurrection  Heavens.  Having  found  "the  new  heaven 
and  the  new  earth"  before  the  spirit's  departure  from  the 
tenement  of  clay,  having  risen  as  an  overcomer  and 
touched  with  the  "four  and  forty  thousand"  the  harp 
stringsi  of  heaven,  responsive  w'ith  the  "song  of  the  re- 
deemed," we  are  assured  this  purified  soul  will  find  the 
"white  stone,"  "the  new  name."  Would  it  not  be  fitting 
should  this  angel  minister  address  those  w'ho  are  on  the 
battle-field  to-day  in  the  words  of  her  own  inspirational 
hymn  of  years  gone  by: 

"When  the  ancients  of  the  city  pass  away, 
Who  will  keep  the  testimony  burning  bright? 
Who  will  hold  the  virgin  banner  snowy  white 
As  those  who've  gone  before  us  in  our  day?" 

As  the  "voice  of  many  waters"  let  the  Millennial 
Church  respond, 

"My  right  hand   forget  her  cunning, 

And    my    tongue    should    speak    no    more, 
Jerusalem,  should  I  forsake  thee. 
And  Zion's  God   fail  to  adore." 

Sarah  F.  Wilson. 


A  Halo  Over  Her  Infancy.  109 

1831— 1910. 

The  Quaker  of  old  thus  outlined  the  true  philosophy 
of  life:  "I  expect  to  pass  through  this  world  but  once! 
If,  therefore,  there  be  any  kindness  I  can  show,  or  any 
good  thing  I  can  do  to  any  fellow  human  being,  let  me 
do  it  now.  Let  me  not  defer  nor  neglect  it,  for  I  shall 
not  pass  this  way  again.     Let  this  be  my  epitaph: 

What  I  spent,  I  had ; 

What  I  saved,  I  left  behind ; 

What   I  gave  away,   I  took  with  mc." 

Had  our  sainted  Eldress  Anna,  at  the  opening  of  her 
beautiful  life,  engraved  these  lines  on  its  archway,  she 
could  not,  perhaps,  better  havel  worded  the  formula  she 
has  followed  so  faithfully.  As  her  visible  presence  slips 
gently  away  from  those  who  have  lived  within  the  radius 
of  her  influence  so  many  years,  it  is  a  real  happiness 
to  us  to  add  our  touch  to  the  seal  of  satisfaction,  already 
set  by  approving  hands. 

We  look  back  to  cull  from  the  page  of  history  choice 
words  of  expectancy  from  wise  gospel  mothers,  who 
held  them  as  an  attainable  crown  of  glory  over  her  early 
footprints.  How  beautiful  the  words :  "This  child  is  an 
Israelite  indeed !"  Uttered  by  Mother  Lucy  Miller,  of 
Hancock,  Massachusetts,  the  remark  cast  a  halo  over  the 
infancy  of  Eldress  Anna.  Years  after,  in  1849,  at  the 
outset  of  her  spiritual  journey,  came  the  prophecy  from 
Eldress  Ruth  Landon,  couched  in  the  words  addressed 
directly  to  the  young  woman,  "li  you  are  faithful,  I  can 
promise  you  all  the  tribulation  you  can  endure;  but  you 
will  always  find  strength  to  endure  it." 

Time  passed  on,  and  hushed  the  impressive  voices. 
The  soul  of  the  brave^hearted  youth  came  in  touch  with 
the  processes  of  God.    She  essayed  the  work  of  Christ 


no  Eldress  Anna  White. 

at  an  age  of  discretion.  She  learned  the  terms  of  salva- 
tion and  with  them  faced  the  objector  within.  She 
"counted  the  cost,"  and  armed  with  deep  conviction,  vol- 
untarily committed  her  all  to  the  leadings  of  Christ. 

Had  she  faltered  in  the  desert,  had  she  flinched  in  the 
furnace,  had  she  weakly  succumbed  to  the  trivial  sug- 
gestions of  the  mind,  angel  hands  could  not  to-day  enrich 
her,  as  they  do,  with  the  "white  stone"  of  victory.  But 
she  stood,  and  '^having  done  all"  she  stood !  Many  fell 
right  and  left,  many  wearied  in  the  furrow;  but  like)  a 
streak  of  Eternity's  own  light,  she  has  penetrated  and 
mastered  the  problems  of  Time.  She  takes  her  place 
with  the  triumphant,  and,  through  all  the  ages,  from  her 
life  memoirs  will  rise  courage  for  the  faltering,  strength 
and  confirmation  for  the  true-hearted,  and  a  sermon  that 
"all  who  run  may  read." 

Inscribed  to  the  memory  of  beloved  Eldress  Anna, 
and  as  a  token  of  fidelity  to  the  cause  she  loved,  by 

One  of  her  many  sisters, 

Jessie  Evans. 

FROM!  THE  LEADERS  AT  ENFIELD,  CONNECTI- 
CUT. 

She  is  worthy,  as  the  product  of  our  faith  and  life, 
of  our  ever-enduring  praise  and  exemplification.  She 
was  a  sister  of  rare  courage  and  ability,  of  lofty  ideals, 
a  heart  and  mind  devoted  and  consecrated  to  the  temporal 
and  spiritual  welfare  of  the  whole  human  race.  We  love 
her  as  a  mother,  bless  her  as  an  inspirer,  thank  her  for 
our  increase  and  rejoice  in  her  reward.  We  sympathize 
with  you  in  her  loss.  Elder  Daniel,  and  trust  you  may  be 
blessed  with  such  help  as  you  need  in  this  crisis  to  sus- 
tain and  guide  the  family. 

Yours  in  the  faith  and  in  love, 

Your  brother,  Walter  Shepherd. 


A  Dear  Spiritual  ADothix.  Ml; 

A  TRIBUTE  OF  AFFECTION. 

One  by  one,  our  loved  ones  are  taken  from  us  by  tlie 
relentless  hand  of  death.  I  believe  that  to  those  who  are 
living  pure  lives  and  who  stand  in  justification  before 
God  and  the  whole  world,  death  has  no  terrors.  This 
we  can  truly  say  was  the  case  with  our  dear  Mother, 
Eldress  Anna.  She  was  a  brave  soldier  of  the  cross, 
never  flinching  at  trials.  She  would  stand  for  what  she 
knew  was  right,  boldly  testifying  to  the  truth,  no  matter 
what  it  cost.  I  have  known  our  Mother  for  many 
years,  and  to  say  I  loved  her,  but  feebly  expresses  my 
meaning. 

From  February,  1882,  I  was  in  close  touch  with  Eldress 
Anna,  as  my  Eldress  and  adviser.  I  can  exclaim,  O  the 
pleasure  of  a  dear  spiritual  Mother,  one  with  whom  I 
could  speak  fearlessly  on  any  subject;  with  whom  the 
simplest  as  well  as  the  deepest  thoughts  of  my  heart 
could  flow  out  simply  and  safely!  She  is  one  of  the 
many  mothers  in  Israel,  administering  strength  to  the 
weak  and  courage  to  the  strong;  to  the  erring,  her  char- 
ity was  unbounded.  Our  little  family  are  greatly  indebted 
to  Eldress  Anna  for  her  tender  care  over  us.  It  was 
a  great  trial  to  the  dear  Mother,  when,  in  1897,  we  were 
called  to  leave  our  little  home  in  Canaan  and  come  to 
Enfield.  I  do  not  think  that  she  ever  quite  got  over  it. 
Now,  she  has  dropped  the  mortal  for  the  immortal,  and 
soars  over  mountains  and  valleys,  sees  all  her  children 
and  gives  us  strength  to  surmount  all  the  ills  of  life. 
Our  Mother  gone?  Nay!  She  hovers  round  us,  when 
we  know  it  not. 

Miriam  Offord. 

I  have  been  acquainted  with  our  beloved  Mother  many 
years,  and  always  found  her  the  same  gentle  spirit,  blest 
with  a  love  for  that  which  is  good,  just  and  true.  She 
was  wise  in  counsel  and  could  be  approached  by  anyone, 


xn  Eldress  Anna  White. 

who  sought  her  advice  in  things  temporal  or  spiritual, 
and,  after  leaving  her  presence,  one  always  felt  blessed 
by  the  intercourse. 

While  living  at  the  North  Family,  I  had  many  oppor- 
tunities to  notice  how  she  met  brethren  and  sisters,  always 
with  a  pleasantness  that  would  put  the  brother  or  sister 
at  rest.  In  spiritual  matters,  she  had  no  superior  in  wis- 
dom in  admonishing  and  counseling  souls.  Her  life  work 
has  been  one  continual  effort  to  raise  souls  from  the 
natural  to  the  spiritual  heavens ;  to  this  end  she  has  given 
her  all — body,  soul  and  spirit ;  and  now,  she  has  gone 
homq  to  the  mansions  above,  where  are  the  loved  ones 
who  preceded  her,  who  waited  for  and  escorted  her  to  a 
home  of  rest.  Do  we  miss  her?  Ah!  Zion  misses  her 
very  much,  but  we  must  bow  to  the  inevitable.  All  must 
pass  the  same  way  to  the  happy  beyond ;  therefore,  do 
not  let  us  mourn  for  the  departed.  She  is  not  dead, 
but  living;  she  put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God,  and 
the  result  is  she  has  gone  to  her  blessed  reward.  Let 
us  all  strive  to  attain  the  same  'height  of  spirituality, 
and  when  we  leave  this  mortal  sphere,  what  a  happy  meet- 
ing we   shall  have!    Your  brother, 

George  W.  Clark. 

I 
We  send  heartfelt  sympathy  in  this  bereavement,  we 
mutually  and  deeply  grieve.  I  loved  Eldress  Anna  from 
the  first  time  I  met  her.  I  always  felt  such  a  motherly 
feeling,  her  presence  was  heavenly.  All  Zion  will  miss 
her.  I  pray  that  the  comforting  angels  will  minister 
to  the  sorrowing  household.  Eldress  Anna  will  not  be 
far  away,  but  ever  near  to  bless  her  people  with  beauti- 
ful ministrations.  We  are  one  in  spirit.  May  God 
strengthen  you  is  the  prayer  of  your  sister,  Annie  Case. 
Eldress  Rosetta  joins  in  love  and  sympathy. 

From  Watervliet. 


Consecration  the  Keynote.  113 

XII 
In   Memoriam. 

IT  is  hard  to  speak  of  the  friend  so  lately  gone  from 
us  in  terms  of  personal  detachment  so  tender  are 
the  recollections  that  rise  with  every  thought  of 
her,  so  vivid  and  compelling  was  her  personality. 

Yet  sometimes  when  death  has  set  apart  one  with 
whom  we  have  long  lived  in  daily  intimacy,  we  seek  to 
separate  our  friend  from  the  confusion  of  the  merely 
trivial  and  accidental,  to  find  some  distinguishing  trait 
or  quality  which  can  give  the  keynote  for  the  complete 
harmony  of  the  character.  So,  thinking  of  Eldress  Anna 
Wliite  to-day,  the  word  which  comes  to  me  as  most  in- 
clusive is  consecration.  She  had  early  heard  the  call  of 
the  spirit,  and  in  obedience  to  that  call,  lay  for  her  the 
solution  of  the  problem  of  life.  Henceforth  there  was  no 
faltering  or  regret, — no  shrinking  from  sacrifice,  or  re- 
sponsibility, only  a  daily  consecration,  a  long  life  of 
devotion  to  an  ideal. 

Always  loyal  to  the  faith  and  traditions  of  her  Order 
she  saw  life  too  sanely  to  ask  for  them  universal  accept- 
ance. In  her  generous  spirit  there  was  no  room  for 
egotism  or  bitterness,  so  she  antagonized  none,  but  with 
loving  service  ministered  to  all  who  sought  her  aid;  and 
in  that  quiet  room  on  the  hillside  many  sorrows  were 
comforted,  wise  counsels  given,  courage  and  hope 
strengthened  and  deepened. 

Her  own  sorrows  were  many  and  sharp,  for  the  path 
in  which  her  feet  were  set  was  often  rough,  and  her 
physical  strength  never  great,  but  in  her  patient  acceptance 
of  whatever  came,  was  the  acquiescence  of  a  deeply  re- 
ligious nature  with  an  abiding  confidence  in  the  power 
and  permanence  of  good  as  a  force  in  human  affairs.  We 
feel    this   note  of   an   exultant    faith   in   her   inspirational 


Xfil  Eldress  Anna  White. 

hymns  which  were  many  and  always  joyous.  Hers  was 
a  happy  nature,  glad  to  be  alive,  loving  the  changing 
beauty  of  the  hills,  the  coming  of  the  birds  and  blossom- 
ing trees,  the  autumn  glow  and  color  and  the  weird 
splendor  of  winter  snows.  To  those  who  knew  her  best 
she  seemed  always  to  dwell  in  the  peace  of  a  faith  clear 
and  strong  for  she  had  "mastered  the  secret  of  serenity." 

What  can  I  say  of  Eldress  Anna  the  beloved  friend  of 
many  years !  How  speak  of  the  ready  kindness,  the  un- 
failing sympathy,  of  the  keen  intelligence  and  sense  of 
humor  which  made  her  the  most  charming  and  inspiring 
of  companions,  or  of  the  tenderness  of  heart  which  so 
easily  won  love,  and  in  joy  or  sorrow  made  friends  her 
consolation  and  her  delight.  For  those  who  had  the 
privilege  of  Eldress  Anna's  friendship  no  words  of  mine 
are  needed,  for  through  the  gloom  of  loss  and  the  lone- 
liness of  the  travail  shines  the  serene  beauty  of  a  sweet 
gracious  unselfish  life  spent  freely  and  gladly  in  the  ser- 
vice of  others. 

We  know  the  closing  years  brought  much  suffering, 
and  the  weariness  of  great  weakness,  all  borne  with 
patience  and  fortitude,  and  we  can  well  believe  that  death 
was  for  her, 

"Only  a  step  into  the  open  air 
Out  of  a  tent  already  luminous 

With   light — that   shone   through   its   transparent  walls." 

Annie!  M.  Moody, 

Maiden,  Mass. 

"When  that  which  drew  from  out  the  boundless  deep, 
turns  again  home!"  I  can  truthfully  say  of  Eldress  Anna 
White,  whose  earthly  life  ended  at  Mount  Lebanon,  New 
York,  on  December  i6th,  1910,  that  she  was  one  of  the 
finest  and  truest  women  that  it  has  ever  been  my  lot 
to  know.     Coming  among  Shakers  in  early  life,  she  had 


A  Rare  and  Beautiful  Character.  115 

been  a  member  of  the  North  Family  for  more  than  sixty 
years,  and  during  this  long  period,  she  had  always  been 
most  loyal  to  her  faith,  her  home  and  her  friends. 

Living  what  most  people  would  consider  a  secluded 
life,  especially  in  her  earlier  years,  she  had  yet  never 
become  narrow-minded,  but  on  the  contrary,  had  always 
taken  a  keen  interest  in  all  good  causes,  and  in  all  move- 
ments for  the  advancement  of  mankind.  Stern  in  her 
devotion  to  principle,  and  wise  in  counsel,  she  was  yet  ever 
full  of  kindness  and  charity  for  individuals,  and  ever 
ready  to  forgive  and  help  those  who  had  erred,  and  who 
sought  to  turn  from  wrong-doing  and  to  walk  in  the 
path  of  right. 

Taken  altogether,  Anna  White  was  a  rare  and  beau- 
tiful character,  and  I  shall  ever  esteem  it  one  of  the 
great  privileges  of  my  life  that  I  knew  her  and  enjoyed 
the  delightful  pleasure  of  her  friendship  for  more  than 
twelve  years. 

Roger  W.  Montgomery, 

Cambridge,   Mass. 

Life  and  death,  like  sunshine  and  shadows,  are  waves 
upon  the  measureless  ocean  of  existence  and  all  in  their 
time  and  turn  are  equally  beautiful.  Philosophically  con- 
sidered, there  is  no  death — no  real  annihilation.  What  we 
call  death  is  but  transition  into  higher  states  of  con- 
scious   existence. 

It  is  reported  that  the  illustrious  John  Quincy  Adams, 
only  a  few  months  before  his  death,  when  inquired  of 
after  his  health,  replied :  "Adams  himself  is  quite  well, 
but  the  house  in  which  he  lives  at  present  is  becoming 
quite  dilapidated ;  time  and  the  changing  seasons  have 
very  much  shattered  it,  so  that  it  is  almost  tenantless; 
and  I  think  that  soon,  John  Quincy  Adams  will  move 
out  of  it;  yet  he  himself,  the  inmost  spirit,  is  well — very 
well." 


II#  Eldress  Anna  White. 

There  is  much  wisdom  embodied  in  the  above  lines. 
Adams,  the  real  conscious  inmost,  as  a  spirit,  was  very- 
well;  the  spirit  is  never  sick.  It  is  the  undying  God- 
Principle  within  the  human  form.  And  this  forcibly 
reminds  me  of  the  meeting  of  dear  Eldress  Anna  White 
the  last  time.  She  was  well — quite  well  and  very  cheer- 
ful; her  eye  was  bright,  her  nerve  steady,  her  voice  clear 
and  her  mental  faculties  brilliant  as  when  I  first  met 
her  in  that  lovely  Mount  Zion  Shaker  Home.  This  was 
something  like  a  quarter"  of  a  century  ago  when  I  first 
met  her  in  company  with  Elder  Frederick  Evans  and 
other  inspired  souls.  But  the  house,  the  frail  tabernacle 
that  she  dwelt  in  when  I  last  saw  her,  was  much  im- 
paired by   a  long  life  of   service   for  others'   good. 

This  great,  throbbing,  selfish,  material  world  has  had 
but  few  such  unselfish  spiritual  mothers,  such  spiritual 
sisters  and  beneficent  friends  as  Eldress  Anna.  She 
seemed  consciously  and  persistently  to  realize  that,  as  she 
was  to  pass  through  this  world  but  once,  it  was  all- 
important  that  she  should  speak  every  good  word,  plan 
every  good  movement  and  perform  every  possible  kind- 
ness now — now  in  the  living  present;  and  so  her  calm, 
sweet,  pure  life  was  a  purposed  and  constant  sacrifice  for 
others'  good.  Such,  when  resting  from  their  earthly 
labors,  go  to  the  rest  of  a  more  active  life  in  the 
heavens.  Long  before  her  departure  for  the  heavenly 
realms  of  peace  and  progress,  the  angels  of  the  regenera- 
tion had  written  upon  her  forehead  in  letters  of  fade- 
less light  the  words,  Pure,  True  and  Faithful. 

Early  in  her  mortal  life,  afire  with  a  love  of  purity 
and  truth,  she  became  a  Shaker — a  word  used  in  derision 
as  was  the  word'  Quaker  and  the  word  Christian — from 
principle — a  principle  spiritually  permeating  her  whole 
being,  enabling  her  to  walk  day  by  day  in  the  newness 
of  the  resurrection — in  the  brightness  of  that  light  which 
illumined  the  soul  of  Mother  Ann  Lee,  the  parallel  pro- 


"Ideals  of  a  Saved  World."  117 

;)lietess  of  the  prophet  of  Nazareth — positive  and  nega- 
itive — wisdom  and  love,  ideals  of  what  the  world  is 
ultimately   to   become — a   saved   world. 

Nations  may  rise  and  fall,  rocks  crumble  to  dust  and 
suns  set,  but  the  principles  of  Shakerism  will  work  their 
way  and  gradually,  noiselessly,  divinely  awaken  thought, 
arouse  research  and  so  kindle  the  invisible  forces  of 
the  soul  as  to  purge,  purify,  uplift  and  redeem  the  world 
of  mankind.  God  is  in  the  world  and  exalted  angels 
continue  to  minister  to  mortals.  And  so,  no  truth  ever 
did  or  can  perish.  Peace  to  the  dust  of  our  sainted 
Eldress  Anna  and  joy  unspeakable  to  her  exalted  and 
beautiful  spirit. 

J.  M.  Peebles,  M.D., 

Los  Angeles,  California. 

My  Dear  Friends: 

About  nine  years  ago,  I  began  to  come  to  your  Family 
through  our  good  friends  the  Clymers.  I  have  found 
rest  and  peace  and  help  whenever  it  has  been  possible 
to  come  here.  It  is  true  that  we  do  not  see  Eldress  Anna 
White  in  the  flesh  here  to-day,  but  in  the  larger  sense 
there  is  no  death.  About  twelve  years  ago,  my  own 
father  passed  out  of  this  world,  but  I  was  thinking  only 
a  few  days  ago  how  much  better  I  knew  him  and  loved 
him  to-day  than  I  did  at  that  time,  because  as  I  have 
been  working  out  a  man's  problem,  I  understand  and 
know  him  better.  So  I  believe  with  succeeding  years,  you 
will  become  better  acquainted  with  this  noble  woman  and 
her  unselfish  work. 

All  over  the  world,  men  are  spending  their  time  ac- 
cumulating money  or  a  business,  or"  a  name  which  they 
can  leave  as  a  bequest  to  others.  In  the  larger  number 
of  cases,  even  under  the  best  possible  conditions,  such  an 
inheritance  proves  a  handicap  and  a  curse  to  those  who 
receive  it.     The  inheritance  that  our  friend  has  left  to- 


ii8  Eldress  Anna  White, 

day,  through  her  years  of  work  in  the  vineyard  of  the 
Master,  wont  harm  anybody,  wont  handicap  them  for 
their  work,  but  will  be  an  inspiration  and  a  power  to  all 
who  have  ever  known  her. 

Though  she  lived  here  so  many  years  midst  these  quiet 
surroundings,  yet  she  knew  personally  people  all  over 
the  world,  she  was  thoroughly  in  touch  with  everything 
going  on  in  the  world,  alert  to  every  new  movement, 
she  had  a  refreshing  sense  of  humor  and  an  abundance 
of  tact  that  made  her  one  of  the  strongest  characters 
I  have  ever  known.  Only  two  weeks  ago,  I  saw  her 
here  and  she  was  filled  with  optimism,  interested  in  what 
was  going  on  along  the  line  of  Civic  Righteousness,  and 
her  last  words  to  me  were  those  of  encouragement  and 
help.     In  closing!  I  would  like  to  use  the  following: 

"The  man  who  takes  his  stand  with  God, 

Forgetting  things  that  are  behind. 
Determined  not  to  flinch  or   fall 
Upon  his  purpose  well-defined. 
Will  find  the  pathway  God  has  planned 
Is  strewn  with  flowers  by  human  hand." 
George  H.  Cooper, 

Pittsfield,  Mass. 

I  desire  to  express  to  you  and  your  esteemed  family 
my  sincere  sympathy  over  the  irreparable  loss  you  have 
sustained  in  the  departure  of  Eldress  Anna.  Bear  with 
me  when  I  state  that  the  loss  extends  beyond  you  and 
the  confines  of  your  community.  The  life  of  such  a 
sister  adorns  the  highest  type  of  womanhood.  She  was 
a  most  remarkable  woman  and  possessed  with  a  deep 
and  penetrating  mind,  and  would  have  been  a  command- 
ing figure  for  the  betterment  of  the  world  in  any  of  the 
conditions  of  life.  In  the  government  of  the  family 
according  to  the  rules  and  regfulations  of  the  Order,  she 


"One  of  the  Inspirations  of  My  Life."  119 

had  no  superior.  Time  will  recognize  the  fact  that  as 
a  writer  or  author  she  was  endowed  with  rare  gifts. 
Everywhere  her  influence  wasi  exerted  for  good.  I  can 
but  think  that  the  world  will  be  better  for  the  ministra- 
tions she  so  carefully  exerted.  Every  just  mind  that 
knew  of  her  worth  will  pay  tribute  to  her  memory. 
Believe  me,  Yours  sincerely, 

J.  P.  MacLean, 

Franklin,  Ohio. 

It  was  one  of  my  proudest  thoughts  that  Eldress  Anna 
White  placed  me  among  her  friends.  She  was  one  of 
those  rare  Souls  that  pass  through  this  world  seemingly 
uninfluenced  by  its  sins  and  sorrows.  Slie  developed  to  a 
wonderful  degree  her  love  and  sympathy  for  mankind, 
her  trust  im  God  and  future  life.  So  spiritual  she  be- 
came that  it  appeared  she  must  see  and  be  in  touch 
with  those  of  Heaven,  It  was  a  benediction  to  know 
her,  and  to  those  who  did,  her  life  will  have  been  a  bless- 
ing forever. 

John  H.  Shipway, 

Noroton,  Connecticut. 

An  AppREaATioN. 

It  is  an  inestimable  privilege  to  be  brought  in  touch 
with  a  great  soul !  No  one  could  stand  in  the  pres- 
ence of  Eldress  Anna  White  and  not  feel  the  uplifting 
influence  of  the  contact  with  one  of  the  great  women  of 
the  Century.  I  always  recall  my  acquaintance  with  El- 
dress Anna  as  one  of  the  inspirations  of  my  life.  Others 
will  tell  of  her  wonderful  business  ability  and  clear  over- 
sight in  matters  pertaining  to  her  Order,  but  I  want 
specially  to  mention  a  little  incident  in  her  life  which 
I  had  the  privilege  of  sharing.  It  stands  out  in  my 
memory  as  one  of  those  clear-cut  incidents  that  pass  in 
a  moment  but  make  a  most  lasting  impression. 


JOB  Eluress  Anna  White. 

It  was  upon  the  occasion  of  her  visit  to  President 
Roosevelt  at  the  White  House,  to  present  the  Peace 
Resolutions  which  had  been  adopted  at  New  Lebanon 
the  previous  summer, 

Eldress  Anna  had  written  to  me  to  ask  if  I  would 
arrange  for  the  meeting  with  the  President.  I  was  very 
glad  indeed  to  do  so.  At  the  appointed  time  Eldress  Anna, 
Sister  Sarah  Burger,  Mrs.  J.  B.  Henderson,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
William  Barnes  of  Albany  and  myself  were  admitted  into 
the   Cabinet   Room,   where   we   awaited   the    President. 

The  room  was  full  of  men  of  National  reputation,  well- 
known  figures  stood  in  groups  here  and  there  whispering 
in  awed  tones.  The  chamber  itself  is  awe-inspiring.  As 
you  look  at  the  heavy  mahogany  table,  surrounded  by 
massive  chairs,  and  realize  that  here  on  cabinet  days  are 
settled  the  great  questions  which  are  of  so  paramount  im- 
portance not  only  to  the  people  of  the  United  States, 
but  to  the  world;  that  in  the  adjoining  room  sits  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  with  such  unlimited  power 
in  his  hands,  representing  the  people  of  this  great  Coun- 
try, you  cannot  help  but  be  somewhat  overwhelmed  by 
the  atmosphere.  But  there  was  one  figure  in  that  as- 
sembly, whose  spirit  never  quailed  and  whose  heart  never 
beat  one  stroke  faster  because  she  stood  in  the  presence 
of  this  embodiment  of  earthly  power.  She  had  faced 
the  eternal  verities  of  life  so  long,  and  with  her  clear 
analytical  mind  she  had  pierced  the  shams  and  sophis- 
tries of  systems  so  unerringly,  that  she  saw  only  The 
Eternal,  whether  visualized  in  the  presence  of  a  cabinet 
officer  or  even  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

In  a  moment  the  massive  folding  doors  swung  open 
and  stepping  with  brisk,  decisive  steps  the  President  stood 
before  us.  I  presented  Eldress  Anna  to  the  President. 
He  extended  his  hand,  his  face  beaming  with  interest 
and  pleasure,  and  in  a  most  hearty  manner  welcomed  her 
in  the  name  of  the  people  she   represented.     He  spoke 


"I  Thank  Thee,  Friend  Theodore."  121 

a  few  well-chosen  words  of  praise  of  what  the  Shakers 
had  accomplished.  I  shall  never  forget  her  reply.  She 
stood  before  him  gowned  in  her  little  grey  dress,  the 
embodiment  of  self-possession  and  in  an  even,  well-modu- 
lated voice  replied:  "I  thank  thee,  friend  Theodore!" 
So  gentle  and  sweet  yet  strong  was  her  voice  that  every- 
body in  the  room  heard  it  and  all  gazed  in  amazement. 
Many  present  had  seen  the  scions  of  royalty  presented 
to  the  President,  had  seen  committees  representing  every 
phase  of  commercial,  social  and  political  life  of  the 
country,  but  never  before  had  they  seen  one  person,  upheld 
only  by  the  proper  appreciation  of  her  own  value  as  an 
immortal  soul  and  as  a  child  of  God,  which  gave  her 
the  right  to;  stand  unabashed  in  the  presence  of  any  man 
whatever  the  adventitious  circumstances  which  surrounded 
him  might  be.  It  was  a  lesson  in  the  value  and  dignity 
of  Humanity  that  no  one  could  ever  forget.  I  count  it 
not  only  one  of  the  greatest  privileges  of  my  life  to 
have  known  Eldress  Anna,  but  also  one  of  the  greatest 
educational  factors  that  it  has  ever  been  my  privilege 
to   enjoy. 

Kate  Waller  Barrett. 

The  average  excellence  of  the  majority,  "silent"  to 
human  ears,  has  gained  by  the  acquisition  of  Eldress 
Anna's  choice  spirit.  Fitting  faith  in  our  supremely 
benevolent  Father,  forbids  us  to  mourn,  except  to  the  ex- 
tent that  our  weakness  permits  or  necessitates.  Her  bodily 
presence,  appreciable  to  our  senses,  is  lost  to  us.  If,  how- 
ever, we  have  profited  as  we  ought,  and  believe  we  have, 
from  intimate  association  with  her,  her  beneficent  spirit 
is  still  with  us.  Even  as  her  spirit  was  not  created  when 
her  body  was  born,  so  it  has  not  ceased  to  live,  even 
here,  although  its  envelope  has  changed  its  function. 
Many  are  now  more  spiritual  than  we  should  have  been 
but  for  the  influence  of  her  spirit  upon  ours.     We  may 


122  Eldress  Anna  White. 

help  show  our  appreciation  of  truth,  increased  by  sharing 
her  spirit  while  it  was  still  embodied,  if  we  prove  our 
belief  that  that  spirit  has  been  freed,  rather  than  limited 
in  influence,  by  losing  the  trammels  of  an  attendant  body. 
Her  liberality  of  opinion  and  benevolent  altruism,  mani- 
fest in  thoughts,  words  and  deeds,  augment  the  endear- 
ment to  us  of  those  cherished  qualities,  admirable  however 
largely  viewed.  Her  choice  of  a  single  item  of  her  faith, 
as  preferable  to  worldly  wealth,  when  she  might  have 
either,  but  not  both,  amply  attested  the  keenness  of  her 
vision,  with  eyes  of  faith,  as  well  as  her  acuteness  of 
discrimination  between  prices  and  values.  A.ppreciation 
of  homely  virtues  was  shown  not  only  by  her  personal 
practice  of  them,  but  also  by  her  applause  of  others 
who  did  likewise.  Messages  of  such  commendation,  sent 
by  her,  have  often  fortified  a  fainting  heart.  We  do  not 
want  to  question  our  Father's  wisdom  or  love  when  we 
wish  that  we  might  still  enjoy  her  encouraging  smile. 
But  even  momentary  meditation  and  appeal  to  our  deeper 
faith,  suffice  to  show  that  it  has  been,  and  may  still  be, 
our  memory,  of  that  benign  expression,  that  has  most 
cheered  us.  Conduct  expresses  the  spirit  of  the  person 
to  whom  both  belong.  Conduct  is  also  the  means  of 
setting  an  example.  If  we  have  profited  by  Eldress 
Anna's  example  and  can  make  our  conduct  worthy  of 
such  influence,  we  shall  be  heirs  of  her  spirit  and  an- 
swerabld  to  the  Holy  Spirit  for  careful  custody  of  that 
share  of  the  Supreme  in  the  Godhead.  Requiescat  in 
pace! 

C.  M.  Culver,  M.D. 

Albany,  New  York. 

It  has  been  said  by  one  of  the  most  famous  women  of 
modern  times,  Mrs.  Mary  Baker  Eddy, — "One  marvels 
that  a  friend  can  ever  seem  less  than  beautiful." 

It  was  no  task  for  the  friends  of  Eldress  Anna  White 


Fearless  Moral  Cour.\ge  and  Sublime  Faith.      123 

to  discover  those  qualities  of  mind  and  heart  which 
constitute  real  beauty,  and  which  were  continually  re- 
flected in  her  character.  She  was  a  woman  of  fearless 
moral  courage  and  sublime  faith,  ever  ready  to  listen 
and  learn  as  well  as  to  counsel  and  to  encourage,  her 
influence  for  good  extending  beyond  the  Shaker  Order 
and  only  limited  by  the  outer  boundary  of  her  acquaintance. 

I  came  to  know  Eldress  Anna  at  a  time  when  human 
verdicts  said  her  last  day  on  earth  was  drawing  to  a 
close,  but  as  a  result  of  her  spiritual  vitality  and  in- 
stantaneous response  to  the  Word  of  Life,  she  recovered 
her  physical  health  and  was  restored  to  active  life  in 
the  family,  her  writtert  testimony  appearing  later  in  the 
December,   1907,   Christian  Science  Journal. 

Eldress  Anna  retained  her  buoyant  and  childlike  spirit, 
which  is  always  an  indication  of  purity  and  love,  and 
which  made  her  a  charming  personality  and  a  wise  and 
helpful  friend,  to  the  end  of  her  earthly  career.  I 
count  it  a  great  privilege  to  have  known  Eldress  Anna 
White. 

Archie  E.  Van  Ostrand, 

Pittsfield,  Mass. 

My  Dear  Friends: 

We  read  in  the  New  York  Times  of  Friday  last  that 
Eldress  Anna  White  had  passed  into  the  larger  room,  to 
be  hidden  from  our  fleshly  eyes  and  to  busy  herself  with 
such  loving  office  as  was  ordained.  Our  hearts  are  warm 
with  sympathy  for  you  all  in  what  will  be  a  great  be- 
reavement truly,  for  we  think  the  Eldress  was  a  mother 
to  many,  and  a  stout-hearted,  serene  counsellor  to  those 
in  need  of  support  and  direction. 

You  will  not  be  alone  in  your  sorrow  for  the  circle 
of  the  Eldress's  friends  was  limitless  as  the  waves  of 
light  and  many  hearts  will  feel  heavy  with  a  personal 
sorrow.      Great    is    the    victory    of    those,    who,    through 


ia4  Eldkess  Anna  White. 

the  overthrow  of  the  terrors  of  death,  pass  the  portals 
to  the  realm  of  knowledge  and  true  light.  For  them 
the  passage  is  a  luminous,  sublime  translation.  The 
shackles  of  earth  are  shaken  off  and  the  patrimony  of 
Heaven  is  divided  to  them.  As  sons  and  daughters  they 
see  God  and  we  believe  there  are  some  who  need  not 
dread  to  see  the  Presence  of  the  All  Life.  , 

In  our  visits  to  your  happy,  beautiful  home  land,  we 
had  come  to  know  Eldress  Anna  more  or  less  intimately, 
and  so  knowing  learned  to  love  the  charm  of  her  per- 
sonality, her  spiritual  and  intellectual  force,  her  earnest- 
ness, her  fidelity,  her  zeal  for  the  cause  of  all  that  is 
best  in  Shakerism  and  in  all  other  unselfish  efforts. 
She  seemed  always  to  see  the  substance  through  the 
shadow  with  the  clear  vision  of  a  seeress,  and  I  recall 
that  she  once  told  me  that  at  no  time  had  men  and  women 
more  important  matters  to  meditate  upon  and  converse 
about  than  those  affecting  their  ethical  development. 

We  grieve  with  you  because  we  are  to  see  her  no  more 
as  wq  saw  her,  but  in  our  memory's  treasure-house  wc 
shall  ever  cherish  the  recollection  of  a  sweet,  loving,  wise 
friend.  The  simplicity  of  her  trust  finds  an  image  in  the 
expectancy  of  this  season  when  God  sends  again  His 
message  of  peace  and  love  to  His  children. 
Your  friend, 

Walter  Grafton, 
'  •  '  New  York  City. 

It  was  in  the  early  September  of  1906,  in  response  to 
repeated  invitations,  doubtless  in  the  first  instance  due  to 
the  'Rev.  Amanda  Deyo,  that  I  visited  the  North  Family 
of  Shakers  at  Mount  Lebanon — accompanied  by  my  young 
friend,  M.  S.  F.  T  arrived  just  before  the  early  country 
tea.  Even  while  partaking  of  the  simple  but  bountiful 
and  delicious  refreshment,  I  felt  the  atmosphere  of  the 
place.     Almost  immediately  after  supper,  we  repaired  to 


A  Broad  and  Open  Mind.  125 

the  hall  where  I  was  to  speak — for  the  object  of  my  visit 
was  to  speak  on  "The  Mission  of  the  International 
Council,"  in  which  the  "North  Family",  which  had  re- 
cently entered  the  National  Council,  had  become  interested. 

It  was  at  the  close  of  my  address  that  I  received  my 
first  impression  of  the  intellectual  grasp  of  Eldress  Anna 
White.  Her  womanly  grace  and  sweetness  had  already 
been  expressed  in  her  welcome  of  her  guests,  but  now 
it  was  a  broad  and  open  mind,  illuminated  by  a  clear 
vision  of  world  relationships,  which  was  displayed,  as 
she  led  an  uncommonly  intelligent  discussion  of  the  ad- 
dress. I  was  induced  to  prolong  our  visit  and  during 
three  memorable  days,  I  had  many  opportunities  for  ob- 
serving Eldress  Anna's  tact  and  judgment.  I  was  sur- 
prised to  find  how  wide  was  her  knowledge  of  great 
world  movements  and  how  sound  was  her  judgment  con- 
cerning proper  solutions  of  the  human  problems  involved. 

Before  this  visit,  I  had  thought  of  this  community  as 
saiely  islanded  within  its  own  interests  and  ideals.  After 
it,  it  seemed  to  me  rather  a  tower  for  observation,  and 
its  head  the  keenest  and  clearest-eyed  of  observers. 

A  year  later  I  made  a  second  short  visit  to  the  North 
Family ;  in  the  interim  I  had  exchanged  many  letters  with 
Eldress  Anna,  each  of  whose  communications  in  turn 
gave  new  proof  of  her  penetration  and  judgment  as  well 
as  of  her  tenderness  and  sympathy.  She  was  not  strong 
when  I  went  to  her  room  to  say  good-by  to  her  at  the 
end  of  my  last  visit,  but  her  face  shone  with  goodness, 
and  I  left  her  feeling  that  she  was  like  a  crystal  lamp, 
guarding  a  flame  that  needed  no  trimming,  because  fed 
from  an  inexhaustible  reservoir  with  which  its  connec- 
tion was  perfect,  continuous  and  permanent.  The  news 
of  Eldress  Anna's  death  does  not  destroy  this  picture 
of  her  or  lessen  the  fidelity  of  the  symbol. 

May  Wright  Sew  all, 

Boston,  Mass. 


ifl6  Eldress  Anna  White. 

Dear   Sisters  : 

You  have  asked  me  to  contribute  a  word  of  appre- 
ciation for  your  book  about  dear  Eldress  Anna.  You 
ask  a  difficult  thing,  not  that  there  is  not  much  to  say, 
but  so  much  and  of  such  a  character  that  it  is  not 
easy  to  speak  of  her  briefly  or  without  seeming  to  those 
who  have  not  had  the  great  privilege  of  knowing  her 
personally,  too   extravagant. 

We  who  knew  her  best  know  that  to  praise  her  mod- 
erately i^  to  do  her  an  injustice,  hers  was  such  a  rare 
and  haunting  personality.  When  I  think  of  what  that 
most  abused  term,  "A  Lady,"  should  stand  for,  my  mind 
flies  to  Anna  White,  who  was  the  most  exquisite  and 
gracious  lady  I  have  ever  known.  She  was  unfailingly 
courteous  and  gracious  in  her  manner,  and  so  gently 
dignified  in  her  bearing  that  all  might  come  to  her,  but 
none  trespass  upon  her;  with  an  insight  and  understand- 
ing so  keen  that  she  could  pity  and  not  be  deceived, 
with  a  rare  sense  of  fun  and  humor,  with  a  perfectly 
balanced  intelligence,  wise,  serene  and  well-poised,  head 
and  heart  co-ordinating,  tender  and  pitiful,  a  very  Gra- 
cious Lady. 

When  I  think  of  a  mother,  I  think  again  of  Anna 
White,  for  she  seemed  to  epitomize  all  the  spiritual 
graces  of  Motherhood.  For  her,  there  was  no  need  of 
the  material  experience  of  maternity,  to  develop  the 
Mother  genius  which  was  hers,  and  which  she  used  to 
succor  and  strengthen  so  many  lives.  In  the  hearts  of 
many  she  is  treasured  in  a  place  apart  as  "The  Little 
Mother." 

As  a  leader  she  would  have  found  her  place  in  what- 
ever sphere  of  life  her  fate  had  been  cast.  She  had  the 
soul  of  the  Leader,  valiant  and  courageous  and  undaunted 
— a  veritable  little  warrior — but  the  weapons  of  her  war- 
fare were  not  "Carnal,  but  spiritual  to  the  pulling  down 
of   Strongholds." 


She  Kept  Her  "Clouds  of  Glory."  137 

And  what  a  loyal  and  generous-hearted  friend  she  knew 
how  to  be — Woman,  Mother,  Leader,  Friend.  Yes,  she 
was  all  of  these,  but  how  could  it  be  otherwise  with 
the  spirit  in  her  that  seemed  to  burn  like  a  white  flame, 
ever  mounting  higher  and  higher  and  purifying  and  ex- 
alring  every  act  and  relationship  of  her  human  life.  1 
used  to  wonder  why  she  filled  me  with  such  a  sense  oi 
awe  and  honor.  Why  I  felt  more  honored  to  have  this 
little  Shaker  Country  Woman  meet  me  with  outstretched 
hands,  than  I  could  have  felt  for  any  one  else  in  the 
world — and  I   remember  Wordsworth's  lines: 

"Our  birth  is  but  a  sleep  and  a  forgetting. 

The  soul  that  rises  with  us,  our  Life's  star 
Hath  had  elsewhere  its  setting, 

And  Cometh  from  afar. — 
'Not  in  entire  forgetfulness 
And  not  in  utter  nakedness, 
But  trailing  clouds  of  glory  do  we  come 
From  God  who  is  our  home." 

I  think  the  reason  we  felt  such  honor  and  awe  in  her 
presence  was,  because  she  had  been  able  to  keep  her 
"Clouds  of  Glory"  all  about  her  during  her  earthly  life. 
She  brought  with  her,  to  us,  a  sense  of  The  Presence, 
and  when  she  went  away  the  step  for  her  could  not 
have  been  into  the  unknown. 

Lena  R.  Smith, 
New  York  and  Canaan. 

Universal  Peace  Union, 
Philadelphia. 
To  My  Very  Dear  Friends,  of  the  Shaker  Family, 
Mount  Lebanon,  N.  Y. : 
I   have  just  learned  of  the  translation  of  our  sainted 
Anna  White  and  I  hasten  to  give   vent   to  my   feelings 


128  Eldrbss  Anna  White. 

of  sorrow,  not  for  her  blessed  spirit,  for  that  is  assured 
in  rest  and  peace:  but  for  the  separation  of  a  companion- 
ship so  full  of  joy,  serenity  and  harmony,  that  it  seems 
like  breaking  into  a  divine  chorus  of  the  living  here, 
in  so  much  faith  and  trust  and  love.  "Blessed  are  they 
that  mourn  for  they  shall  be  comforted."  We  all  mourn 
for  this  severing  of  congenial  ties.  You  have  cause  to 
feel  sad  for  the  loss  to  yourselves  and  yet  a  rejoicing  for 
her  ascension. 

My  heart  overflows  when  I  think  of  her  gift  and  her 
beautiful  words  to  me  on  my  8oth  Birthday,  and  when 
I  chide  myself  for  not  promptly  writing  her  in  addition 
to  my  "Acknowledgment"  in  the  "Peacemaker,"  of  Sep- 
tember and  October.  She  must  have  known  that  I  was 
deeply  touched  by  her  sisterly  affection,  I  call  it  but  a 
continuance  of  that  fraternal  nature  that  was  manifested 
from  the  first  time  we  met,  and  when  I  visited  you  some 
years  ago  and  until  she  peimed  thel  sweet  words  to  me 
last   September. 

How  these  angelic  visitations  seem  part  of  the  Heaven 
here — she  made  the  connection  of  the  spiritual  and  ma- 
terial so  closely  dove-tailed  that  it  was  impossible  to 
tell  where  one  ended  and  the  other  commenced.  I  want 
you  all  to  accept  this  letter  as  a  brotherly  tribute  to 
your  and  my  departed  loved  one,  and  a  testimony  to  you 
for  your  devotion  and  faithfulness.  I  know  you  took 
the  best  of  care  of  the  "pearl"  of  your  family,  and  you 
will  receive  the  merited  reward. 

She  was  one  of  our  Vice-Presidents,  always  sending  us 
her  love  and  appreciation  and  her  regular  contribution 
for  her  dues.  We  need  more  Anna  Whites.  You  move 
the  world  by  the  unseen  but  not  unfelt  mystery  of  Truth 
and  Wisdom,  even  in  your  splendid  modesty.  We  do  not 
see  the  perfume  of  the  flowers,  or  know  the  make-up  of 
electricity,  but  we  do  appreciate  the  sweetness  of  the 
one  and  accept  the  wonders  of  the  other.    You  may  well 


A  Sessnrly  Consistent,  Unselfish  Ljfe.        129 

be  compared  with,  these  forces  from  the  Creator  of  all 
good. 

With  the  profound  sympathy  and  love  of  your  attached 
friend  I  wish  you  all  that  peace  so  truly  deserved  for 
your  faith. 

Alfred  H.  Love. 

The  loss  of  one  who  has  thought  high  thoughts  and 
lived  a  serenely  consistent,  unselfish  life,  is  a  very  great 
loss  to  the  state  and  to  the  world. 

Eldress  Anna  White, — simple,  straight-forward,  kindly 
and  unaffected,  moved  among  her  family  as  guide,  philoso- 
pher and  friend.  Her  splendid  eyes  looked  out  from  a 
brow  of  thought,  and  her  clear  voice,  fine  diction  and 
commanding  figure  naturally  made  her  a  leader.  Above 
all  she  was  a  woman  with  the  womanly  qualities  of 
devotion  and  helpfulness ;  and  for  us  she  was  just  a 
dear  friend  whose  bright  smile  gave  us  a  double  pleasure 
in  coming  to  the  dear  North  Family  to  see  our  beloved 
friends  The  Shakers. 

Leigh  Hunt, 
Grace  Anna  Hunt, 

New  York  City. 

In  September,  1909,  it  was  my  privilege  to  spend  a 
few  days  at  Mount  Lebanon  as  the  guest  of  Eldress  Anna 
White,  in  response  to  an  invitation  received  some  months 
previously   in   correspondence. 

At  the  time  of  my  visit,  Eldress  Anna  was  greatly  en- 
feebled by  recent  illnesses.  I  was  permitted  to  enjoy 
two  somewhat  lengthy  private  interviews  during  my  brief 
stay  at  Mount  Lebanon,  the  impress  of  which  will  ever 
remain  an  inspiration  to  all  that  is  highest  and  holiest 
in  womanhood  and  in  Christian  living. 

Eldress  .Anna  possessed  in  herself,  not  only  remarkable 
endowments    of    mind    and    executive    ability,    but    com- 


IS*  Elduess  Anna  White. 

bined  with  these,  those  higher  qualities  of  soul,  which 
enabled  her  to  enter  into  close  sympathy  with  other 
souls  and  to  bestow  upon  others  that  greatest  of  all 
gifts,  Love.  The  memory  of  my  brief  intercourse  with 
this  rare  and  beautiful  spirit,  so  far  removed  from,  so 
exalted  above  all  that  is  sordid  or  unreal,  will  ever  re- 
main sacred  and  inspiring.  My  tribute  to  her  memory 
can  best  be  paid  in  the  words  of  Jesus,  speaking  of 
Nathaniel,  "Behold!  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no 
guile." 

Mary  C.  Henry, 
West  Orange,  New  Jersey. 

I  regret  to  learn  of  the  passing  away  of  Eldress  Anna 
White;  though  of  course  I  noticed,  when  last  I  saw  her, 
that  she  was  not  long  for  earth.  It  was  a  real  benedic- 
tion to  be  in  her  presence  again  the  day  when  I  called 
with  Mr.  England.  I  shall  treasure  the  memory  of  her 
as  a  woman  of  fine  mind  and  rare  spirituality.  These 
extraordinary  gifts,  combined  with  her  simple  kindli- 
ness and  common  sense,  must  have  made  her  an  in- 
valuable leader  for  your  little  group.  I  shall  treasure 
the  memory  of  Eldress  Anna  White,  and  I  wish  for  all 
of  you  an  inheritance  of  her  spirit  and  her  power  for 
good. 

Rabbi  Charles  Fleischer, 

Cambridge,   Massachusetts. 

I  never  have  seen  a  more  heavenly  presence  in  earthly 
form  than  that  of  beautiful  Eldress  Anna  White.  How 
the  frail  tenement  so  long  held  the  angelic  spirit  is  the 
wonder — not  that  now  it  has  gone  to  seek  its  own.  What 
a  gentle  transition  from  this  world  into  the  other  that 
is  so  near  and  sometimes  only  half  hidden. 
Affectionately, 

L.  A.  CooNLEY  Ward. 


Lofty  in  Hn  Idkai^.  ijc 

For  purity  of  motive  she  was  pre-eminent.  The  wel- 
fare of  the  family  and  society,  its  highest  good,  its 
greatest  possible  attainment,  were  her  chief  thought  and 
care.  Broad-minded,  lofty  in  her  ideals,  honest,  earnest 
in  seeking  their  achievement,  eager  and  anxious  to  share 
her  light  and  understanding  with  and  for  the  benefit  of 
others.  Eldress  Anna  had  to  be  viewed  from  so  many 
different  standpoints,  judged  by  hard,  difficult  problems. 
I  knew  her  long  before  she  became  Eldress.  Always, 
always  she  wanted  only  the  right;  no  compromising  for 
expediency,  but  the  best  attainable,  the  greatest  good.  May 
it  ever  live  and  flourish  among  you !  Her  loyalty,  devo- 
tion, consecration,  are  as  a  beacon  leading  on  and  up, 
to  the  heights  beyond. 

Catherine   Blake, 

New  York  City. 

OUR  DEARLY  BELOVED  ELDRESS  ANNA 
WHITE. 

By  Cecelia  DkVere. 

Hers  was  a  life  of  revelation  pure. 

With  love  unfolding  like  God's  holy  gift, 

With  strength  of  soul  that   made  her   footsteps  sure 
What  e'er  the  path,  or  tempest  wild  and  swift. 

We  needed  not  life's  billows  to  decline, 
Before  her  heart-pearl  virtues  came  to  view, 

We  hourly  saw  them  in  their  beauty  shine 
In  radiant  halos,  white  and  ever  new. 

A  revelation   was  her  mind's  expanse. 
She   frankly   greeted   truth   in   any  guise. 

But   fearless    challenged    Falsehood's   armed   advance 
And  amply  proved  her  innocence  was  wise. 


ISC  Elorbss  Anka  White. 


Her  upright  honesty  was  wise  indeed, 

It  gave  her  victory  on  every  field ; 
For  plot  or  plan,  she  never  saw  the  need. 

And  never  saw  a  time  to  weakly  yield. 

■  ■     ■  ■    ■!  •  .  ,      s      ,  *■■ 

Valiant  for  right,  as  valiant  against  wrong, 

She  stood  her  ground   with   brave,   unflinching  zeal, 

Intent  to  test  her  soul  and  know  it  strong, 

Prepared  to  bear  the  stress  that  martyrs  feel. 

But  as  a  shepherdess  with  mother  heart, 
What  love,  what  grace,   what  tenderness   expressed, 

What  delicate  compassion,  artless  art, 

Drew  to  her  souls  and  made  them  truly  blest! 

Dear  one,  beloved  beyond  all  power  to  tell, 
Dear  faithful  guardian  through  the  long,  long  years, 

Thy  inner  life  spreads  now  its  heavenly  spell 
Upon  the  fountain  of  our  sorrowing  tears. 

For  thee,  emancipation  new  and  strange! 

Our  sympathies  awake  to  help  thee  bear 
The  dawn  of  the  new  life,  the  mystic  change. 

That  in  our  turn  we  all  with  tbee  must  share. 

We  will  not  say  farewell.  Death  is  a  phase 
That  cannot  take  thee  from  immortal  ties, 

It  can  but  hide  thee  in  the  shadowy  haze 
Wherd  light  eternal  on  Life's  River  lies. 


ELDER  DANIEL  OFFORD. 


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Of  English   Ancbstky.  155 


MEMORIAL  OF 
ELDER  DANIEL  OFFORD. 


AT  the  head  of  the  North  Family  for  many  years 
stood  Elder  Daniel  Offord, — small,  slight,  mus- 
cular ;  full  of  energy,  vigor  and  determination ; 
conscientious,   far-seeing,  unselfish,  full  of  love 
for    humanity;    from    his    deep,    sad,    kind    eyes,    looked 
out  a  tender,  brave,  patient  and  loving  soul. 

Daniel  Offord  was  of  English  stock,  born  at  Richmond, 
Surrey,  November  nth,  1843.  His  ancestors,  for  several 
generations,  followed  the  trade  of  maltster.  His  grand- 
father, Robert  Offord,  was  a  dealer  in  grain,  hops,  seeds, 
coal,  etc.,  acting  as  factor  for  a  wealthy  merchant.  Re- 
spected for  honesty  and  integrity,  he  was  often  appealed 
to  in  business  matters,  because  of  his  sound,  reliable 
judgment.  Of  his  wife,  Ann  Leeks,  her  son  has  said: 
"She  wasi  one  of  the  neatest,  cleanest,  most  industrious, 
honest  and  chaste  women  I  have  ever  known,  consistent, 
spiritual-minded  and  devout."  Coming  under  deep  re- 
Jigious  conviction,  an  entire  change  was  wrought  in  his 
habits  and  manner  of  life.  Both  became  devoted  Metho- 
dists, but,  when  Robert  thought  that  the  Methodists  were 
growing  too  worldly,  he  withdrew  and  with  a  few  like- 
minded,  started  a  chapel  for  themselves.  Afterwards,  he 
united  with  the  Baptists,  and  died  in  that  faith  in  1856, 
at  the  age  of  eighty- four. 

Their  third  son,  William,  was  born  at  Stowmarket, 
Suffolk,  July,  1803,  and  was  reared  at  Bury  St.  Edmunds, 


136  ExDER  Daniel  Otpord. 

whither  Robert  had  removed.  A  nervous,  sensitive,  re- 
ligious child,  he  was  apprenticed  to  learn  the  printing, 
book-making  and  stationer's  business  and,  at  twenty- 
one,  went  to  London  where  he  was  married  to  Susannah 
King,  like  himself  an  ardent  Methodist.  They  settled 
at  Richmond,  Surrey,  where  William  managed  a  print- 
ing business.  As  their  older  children  became  able  to 
assist  in  the  support  of  the  family,  William  opened  a 
small  grocei-y  and  bake-shop,  where  they  found  employ- 
ment. He  would  sell  nothing  on  the  Sabbath,  but  gave 
away  bread  and  groceries  to  those  who  needed  them, 
trusting  in  God  to  supply  any,  lack  to  himself.  For  his 
strong  testimony  against  worldliness  in  preachers  and 
people,  he  was  suspended  from  the  Methodist  Church, 
after  twenty-eight  years  of  membership  and  fifteen  years 
as  local  preacher.  He  at  once  began  out-door  preaching, 
and,  with  a  few  others,  hired  a  vacant  chapel,  which 
they  called  their  "Place  of  Worship."  Greatly  exercised 
in  mind  on  the  subjects  of  marriage  and  communism, 
he  had  a  strong  impression  of  a  coming  greater  light 
than  they  had  yet  received  and  told  his  friends  of  his 
convictions,  saying,  "God  may  send  us  the  truth  by  some 
poor  man  or  poor  woman,  but.  whatever  the  messenger, 
if  I  feel  it  to  be  true,  I  shall  follow  it,  no  matter  through 
what  suffering." 

One  Sabbath,  a  stranger  appeared  in  their  midst,  who 
expounded  the  beliefs  and  explained  the  customs  of  the 
American  Shakers.  Great  interest  was  aroused.  He  was 
regarded  by  the  simple-hearted,  earnest  group  as  a  very 
holy,  superior  man.  The  facts  were  that  he  was  not  a 
man  of  faith  or  of  good  principles.  He  had  lived  among 
Shakers,  understood  their  doctrines,  but  had  been  dis- 
missed from  every  society  where  he  appeared.  But,  what- 
ever the  character  of  the  instrument,  he  was  used  by  the 
Spirit  to  promulgate  the  truths  for  which  Ann  Lee,  sev- 
enty years  before,  had  gone  to  America. 


A  Communist   at   Eight  Years   Old.  137 

After  the  meeting  in  which  Shakerism  had  been  ex- 
pounded, William  Offord  sat  down  on  a  bench  to  think. 
The  message,  he  felt  was  true  and  he  could  not  get  away 
from  it.  He  had  been  coming  to  it  through  the  years. 
"I  saw,"  he  said,  "what  it  meant  by  forsaking  and  hating 
the  wife,"  etc.,  and  by  the  words,  'Let  him  take  up  his 
cross  and  follow  me.'  I  had  a  horrible  picture  of  what 
would  be  the  consequences  of  living  according  to  the 
light  that  shone  so  clearly  into  my  understanding.  I  saw 
my  business  lost,  myself  hated  and  persecuted,  my  name 
cast  out  as  evil.  I  saw  my  family  in  need,  the  danger 
of  personal  injury,  of  being  treated  as  insane  and  shut 
up  in  a  lunatic  asylum  and  many  more  very  probable 
consequences."  He  remembered  his  own  words: — "If  a 
man  be  not  honest,  he  will  not  obey  all  the  light  he 
has.'"  "Now  I  have  more  light  than  ever  I  had,  what 
am  I  going  to  do?  That  evening,  I  said  to  Susannah, 
'You  have  heard  this  testimony  as  well  as  myself,  and 
you  have  often  heard  me  say  that  there  are  not  two 
ways  to  heaven,  one  for  the  high  and  lofty  and  another 
for  the  low  and  poor.  I  now  see  that  there  is  one  work 
for  all  to  do.  If  you  have  a  mind  so  to  do,  you  may 
take  up  your  cross  and  live  as  did  Jesus,  but  whether 
you  do  or  not,  I  shall.'  She  turned  pale,  but  said  nothing. 
I  felt  released." 

The  influence  of  the  stranger,  whose  name  was  Evans. 
was  resented  by  Susannah  Offord  and  many  other  women 
of  the  congregation,  who  intuitively  apprehended  his  real 
character.  A  few  accepted  his  teachings  and  formed  a 
small  community,  among  them  William's  oldest  daugh- 
ter, Betsey,  and  his  youngest  son,  Daniel,  eight  years  of 
age.  William  had  not  been  deceived  in  his  forecastings. 
For  two  years,  his  life  was  filled  to  the  brim  with  per- 
secution. The  stranger's  influence  over  him  became  one 
of  darkness  and  confusion,  but  he  was  too  sincere,  honest 
and  upright,  to  be  led  far  astray.     One  Sabbath  morning, 


138  Elder  Daniel  Offosd. 

in  a  state  of  deep  depression,  he  was  constrained  to 
turn  aside  into  a  solitary  place,  which  happened  to  be 
the  yard  of  a  livery  stable,  and  shake  most  thoroughly. 
He  felt  so  much  better,  mentally  and  spiritually,  that, 
meeting  Evans  on  the  street,  he  told  him  about  it  and 
exclaimed,  "STiakerism  is  the  most  rational  religion  on 
earth!"  To  his  surprise,  his  friend  made  no  reply.  Wil- 
liam knew  nothing  about  shaking  as  a  religious  exercise, 
or  he  might  have  received  a  hint  of  the  man's  real  char- 
acter, for  the  false-hearted  among  Shakers  ever  hate  and 
despise  the  humiliating  and  purifying  work  of  true  spir- 
itual shaking  and  its  physical  expression. 

True  to  his  vow  to  preach  as  he  had  opportunity,  Wil- 
liam traveled  about,  preaching  Shakerism,  as  he  under- 
stood it.  He  went  to  Liverpool  and  preached  from  the 
steps  of  the  custom-house,  a  place  open  to  any  who 
wished  to  free  their  minds  to  the  public.  Finally,  he 
decided  to  go  to  America  and  seek  out  the  Shakers  for 
himself.  Bidding  his  family  farewell,  he  sailed  August 
4th,  1849,  reaching  New  York,  September  13th.  Arriv- 
ing at  Lebanon  Springs  on  Saturday  afternoon,  he  walked 
two  miles  to  Shaker  Village,  on  Sabbath  morning,  as 
Richard  Bushnell  had  done  before  him,  and  attended  ser- 
vice in  the  meeting-house.  Brother  Frederick  Evans  was 
addressing  the  people,  and  William  "gathered  heart  and 
soul  to  Believers.  Place  and  people  were  sacred  to  me." 
Elder  Richard  Bushnell  invited  him  to  the  North  Family 
and  the  next  morning  he  confessed  his  sins.  According 
to  his  quaint  recital, — "The  great  archangel's  trumpet 
had  sounded  in  the  ears  of  my  inmost  soul,  and  by  it 
I  was  awakened  from  spiritual  death  in  sin  and  called  to 
the  resurrection  of  life — called  to  live  as  Jesus  lived, 
and  had  to  appear  at  the  judgment  seat  to  give  an  ac- 
count of  the  evil  I  had  done  in  and  with  the  body.  But 
it  was  not  that  great  and  awful  Throne  with  the  Great 
God   seated  thereupon  that   I  had  long  dreamed  of.      I 


William  Offord  Becomes  a  Shaker.  139 

found  it  to  be  simply  a  cut-down  apple  tree  in  the  or- 
chard. Upon  this  Elder  Richard,  one  of  the  Witnesses 
for  God,  seated  himself  and  in  a  very  kind,  friendly  and 
fatherly  manner  invited  me  to  be  seated  by  him.  I  found 
that  log  to  be  quite  as  much  of  a  dazzling  throne  as  I 
could  bear  to  approach,  and  him  who  sat  thereon  quite 
as  much  of  a  God  as  I  could  master  courage  to  open 
the  dark  places  of  my  history  to." 

William  wrote  to  his  family,  urging  Susannah  to  join 
him.  This  she  refused  to  do,  but  sent  out  two  sons, 
who  ultimately  returned  to  England,  and  later,  three 
daughters,  Rhoda,  Ann  and  Miriam.  The  month  follow- 
ing William's  entry,  he  met,  upon  tiieir  arrival  at  Canaan, 
Robert  and  Anna  White,  the  latter  having  decided  to  be- 
come a  Shaker.  Upon  the  last  night  of  Eldress  Anna's 
life,  she  saw  William  Offord,  called  him  by  name,  waving 
him  a  courteous  greeting.  Doubtless,  he  was  of  the  band 
who  met  and  welcomed  her  as  she  entered  the  spirit 
world. 

One  June  morning,  William  was  at  work  in  the  garden, 
looking  over  the  beautiful  Lebanon  Valley  spread  out 
at  his  feet,  and  exclaimed  to  Elder  Richard, — "I  know 
this  place,  I  was  here  more  than  twenty  years  ago!"  He 
then  related  a  dream,  in  which  he  came  to  America 
twice  in  a  sailing  packet  and  saw  a  beautiful  place  with 
most  charming  scenery.  When  he  moved  to  Richmond, 
in  Surrey,  the  garden  of  England,  he  thought  that  was 
the  fulfillment  of  his  dream,  except  that  he  had  not 
come  by  water.     Now,  he  verified  the  place. 

After  several  years,  William  became  anxious  about  his 
remaining  children  and  went  back  to  England.  He  found 
Susannah  in  prosperous  circumstances,  living  in  a  pretty 
village  not  far  from  London,  and  very  unwilling  to  allow 
Emily,  the  youngest  child,  to  return  with  her  father  to 
America.  He  found  Daniel,  thirteen  years  old,  still  liv- 
ing with  Evans,  spending  his  time  grinding  and  prepar- 


140  Elder  Daniel  iOfford. 

ing  charcoal  for  some  medicinal  preparation.  Evans  was 
away  and  he  had  no  difficulty  in  securing  the  boy,  Daniel 
seeming  very  glad  to  go  with  him.  His  eldest  and  fav- 
orite daughter,  Betsey,  had  married  and  gone  to  Aus- 
tralia. This  was  a  great  grief  and  disappointment.  Sus- 
annah soon  became  reconciled  to  parting  with  the  chil- 
dren, fitted  them  out  comfortably  and  accompanied  them 
to  the  vessel,  to  see  them  off  for  America.  She  finally 
went  to  Australia  and  ended  her  days  in  the  home 
of  her  daughter  Betsey. 

Dreading  possible  trouble  and  useless  argument,  Wil- 
liam instructed  his  children  not  to  use  the  word  Shaker 
or  speak  of  their  faith  or  destination  on  the  voyage, 
which,  according  to  his  dream,  was  made,  like  the  first, 
in  a  sailing  packet.  The  chilly  winds  and  cold  air  of  the 
cabin  made  William  ill  and  he  was  forced  to  take  from 
his  box  his  long,  blue,  outside  coat  of  Shaker  make,  for 
warmth.  A  wealthy  Quaker,  returning  from  a  tour  of 
Europe,  recognized  the  Shaker  garb  and  inquired  if  he 
knew  'Robert  White.  Finding  himself  caught,  William 
said,  "I  suppose  this  coat  is  the  cause  of  that  question." 
The  Quaker,  whose  name  was  Mott,  replied  that  it  was, 
and  that  he  knew  Robert  White  well.  In  the  conversa- 
tion that  followed,  William  learned  to  his  astonishment, 
that,  during  his  absence,  his  friend  and  brother,  Robert 
White,  had  passed  away.  His  new  friend  secured  for  him 
warmer  quarters,  so  that  he  soon  recovered.  Daniel  and 
Emily  tried  to  obey  their  father's  injunction,  but  they 
were  included  in  a  Sabbath  School  class,  gathered  from 
the  children  on  board  and  instructed  by  a  lady  passen- 
ger. When  questioned  on  the  fundamentals  of  the  Chris- 
tian faith,  Daniel,  who  found  the  teaching  more  than  he 
cooild  accept,  spoke  his  faith  as  fearlessly  as  in  after 
years. 

Landing  at  New  York,  they  reached  Canaan,  where 
they   were   met   by   Brother    Charles   Greaves   and  taken 


A  Shaker  at  Thirteen  Years.  141 

to  the  North  Family.  Daniel,  his  pockets  filled  with  apples 
by  the  Canaan  sisters,  offered  the  finest  to  his  new  friend, 
who  never  forgot  the  boyish  generosity.  Emily,  a  beautiful 
and  gifted  girl,  spent  her  life  at  Canaan;  Daniel  re- 
mained at  the  North  Family.  He  was  a  polite  lad,  obe- 
dient, diligent  and  truthful.  The  winter  found  him  ac- 
companying the  brethren  on  long  expeditions  over  the 
snow-drifted  roads,  to  cut  wood  on  Washington  Moun- 
tain. They  would  load  their  ox-sleds  with  logs  and 
return,  often  reaching  home  late  at  night.  One  day, 
running  to  assist  some  one  in  trouble,  Daniel  laid  his 
mittens  on  a  log  and  forgot  them.  The  mittens  were 
lost  and  Daniel,  on  reaching  home,  confessed  his  fault 
to  his  Elder  and  to  the  young  sister  who  had  charge  of 
his  clothes,  saying,  "I  have  lost  my  mittens,  and  now, 
I  will  not  wear  any  more  mittens,  this  winter !"  "Yea, 
you  will  too!"  she  replied  and  gave  him  another  warm 
pair,  but  he  declared  he  would  wear  no  more  mittens  that 
winter,  because  of  his  carelessness.  "I  do  not  know 
whether  he  did  or  not,"  said  the  gray-haired  sister  who 
told  the  tale,  "but  it  was  never  necessary  to  punish  Daniel, 
he  would  always  punish  himstelf."  This  he  continued, 
with  ever  deepening  sorrow  and  self-condemnation  for 
every  mistake,  during  the  fifty-five  years  of  his  Shaker 
life,  until  the  angels  took  him  to  themselves.  Opportuni- 
ties for  education  were  few  in  that  day  for  farmer  boys, 
and  this  Shaker  lad  in  his  teens  had  but  a  few  weeks  for 
study  in  the  winter  .school  for  boys.  He  improved  his 
time  to  the  uttermost,  but  it  was  a  bitter  memory  that  the 
days  of  his  school-life  were  so  few. 

A  letter,  dated  November  6th,  1S59,  revealing  in  its 
boyish  expressions  the  character  of  the  mature  man,  is 
addressed   to 

"Beloved    Eldkr    Frederick  : 
"I  feel  to  express  my  determination  to  you  that  I  will 


142  Eldek  Daniel  Offoko. 

be  more  faithful  to  build  and  support  the  temporal  things 
that  pertain  to  the  increase  and  welfare  of  my  good 
brethren  and  sisters.  I  love  them  and  I  love  my  beloved 
Elders,  who  teach  nie  how  to  find  a  fruitful  travel  in 
the  gospel.  I  thank  Brother  Timothy  for  the  good  in- 
structions I  receive  from  time  to  time.  I  shall  be  six- 
teen years  old  next  Friday,  and  feel  as  though  I  was 
coming  to  years  of  understanding,  in  which  I  ought  to 
be  gaining  a  knowledge  of  the  principles  of  the  gospel, 
and  to  practice  them  more  and  more  in  my  daily  life,  and, 
when  I  have  opportunity  to  help  others  to  a  knowledge 
and  to  the  practice  of  them,  so  far  as  I  do  myself,  I  will 
taket  it.  I  do  not  want  to  be  selfish  in  anything,  but  to 
crucify  a  selfish  nature  in  whatever  shape  it  may  ap- 
pear. I  feel  thankful  for  the  order  of  confession,  as  it 
is  established  in  Zion,  and  I  shall  obey  this  and  every 
other  gospel  order.  I  testify  that  a  full  and  honest  con- 
fession of  every  known  sin  does  not  bring  shame  and 
confusion.nDut  peace  and  satisfaction  to  the  soul.  I 
promise  that  I  will  be  good  and  I  think  we  all  mean  to 
be.     I    remain   your    son,    Daniel    Offord." 

A  letter  from  Elder  Frederick  to  him  reveals  the  source 
of  many  traits  of  character  very  prominent  in  his  matur- 
ity.    He  writes : 

"My  dear  child,  Daniel  Offord: 

"You  request  me  to  write  you  a  prayer  on  paper. 
Prayer,  my  son,  has  been  thus  defined, — 

"Prayer   is  the   heart's    sincere   desire, 
Uttered    or    unexpressed ; 
The  motion  of  a  hidden  fire, 
That  glows  within  the  breast. 

"God  is  all  good,  man  is  not  all  good,  prayer  is  the 
chain  that  unites  them  together,  bringing  man  into  favor 
with  God,  by  making  him  good  as  God  is  good.  So 
when  you   feel  a  desire,   Daniel,  to  be  more  good   than 


A   Prayfrful  Spirit.  143 

you  now  are,  you  may  think  it,  breathe  it  or  utter  it  in 
some  form  of  words,  and  that  is  prayer.  But  the  thought, 
the  breath  and  the  words  arc  only  the  clothing  of  your 
prayer,  the  same  as  what  you  have  on  is  the  clothing 
of  your  body. 

"Consider,   therefore,   my  dear  boy,   what   the  want  of 

your  soul  is.    First,  you  need,  as  this  request,  which  you 

are   so  simple  as   to   prefer   shows,   the  spirit  of  prayer. 

'    that   is,   good   desires,    fervent,   anxious   desires   to   be   a 

better  and  more  truly  religious  boy  than  you  now  are. 

"You  may  then  pray  in  this  wise :  'Heavenly  Father 
and  Mother,  send  holy  spirits  to  give  me  good  and 
pure  desires.  A  desire  for  a  true  and  lively  faith  in  spir- 
itual gifts.  A  desire  for  death  by  mortification  to  all 
fleshly  sensations.  A  desire  for  an  obedient,  childlike 
spirit  towards  my  Elders,  caretakers  and  brethren  and 
sisters  in  the  gospel,  and  a  meek,  patient,  just  and  lov- 
ing spirit  towards  my  young  companions.  May  I  be 
moved  to  avoid  their  faults  and  to  copy  their  virtues. 
I  pray  that  the  spirits  of  the  just,  who  have  been  made 
perfect  by  obedience  to  the  truth,  will  filt  me  with  zeal 
in  the  worship  of  God,  by  inspiring  me  to  keep  at  all 
times  and  in  every  place,  a  constant  memory  of  my 
accountability  to  those  who  watch  for  my  soul,  that  thus 
in  meeting,  I  may  be  free  from  all  guilt  and  condem- 
nation. 

"  'Thus  let  me  always  pray. 

By  having  none  but  good  desires ; 
Still  travelling  in  the  light  of  day 
Through   truthful,  sin-consuming  fires.' 

"Receive   this   with   my   kind    love. 

"Frederick." 

Living  in  the  same  family  with  his  father,  the  ten- 
dency to  perpetuate  the  natural  tie  of  affection  and 
mutual  confidence  was  realized  by  him  as  a  hindrance  to 
true  spiritual  obedience  and  growth,  and,  in  his  young 


144  Elder  Daniel  Offord. 

manhood,  he  wrote  to  William  a  long  and  remarkable 
letter  on  this  subject,  addressing  him,  "Kind  Friend  and 
Brother  in  Christ."  Among  his  thoughts  are  these:  "My 
mind  has  been  exercised  upon  the  two  orders  through 
which  all  souls  travel  that  are  called  by  the  gospel — the 
natural  and  the  spiritual.  All  are  born  into  the  natural 
order,  but  only  those  who  are  called  by  the  gospel  travel 
into  the  spiritual.  Some  come  to  the  gospel  when  young, 
and  have  to  travel  to  the  natural  when  in  the  gospel.  It 
grows  with  their  growth  and  all  the  ties  and  affections 
of  nature  rise  up  in  that  soul  drawing  it  to  its  natural 
relation.  The  earthly  relation  soon  dissolves,  in  its  most 
orderly  state.  Now  I  feel  that  I  am  called  to  forsake 
this  order  and  enter  into  the  spiritual  order  and  follow 
the  example  of  Jesus.  Although  called  to  the  gospel 
while  young,  in  childhood,  yet,  I  have  to  forsake  and 
hate  father  and  mother,  wife  and  children,  as  really  as 
you,  who  have  been  father  and  had  a  wife,  for  the  ele- 
ments of  these  are  all  in  me,  they  grow  as  I  grow  and 
would  bring  forth  fruit,  if  I  do  not  bear  the  cross  of 
Christ  and  hate  them,  and  labor  to  feel  a  joining  to  the 
resurrection  order  above  the  order  of  nature. 

"I  feel  the  time  has  come  for  me  to  be  cut  off  the 
field  of  nature,  and  to  make  a  clean  separation  from 
my  soul  of  the  ties  and  affections  of  the  old  order  of 
father  and  son,  and  devote  all  my  faculties  and  powers 
to  attain  to  the  resurrection  of  a  new  life  in  Christ.  Hav- 
ing been  called  by  the  gospel,  I  must  act  consistent  with 
the  gospel;  it  is  of  no  use  trying  to  carry  along  the  nat- 
ural with  thd  spiritual.  In  so  doing,  I  am  between  the 
heaven  and  the  earth.  The  spiritual  is  above  the  natural 
and  they  cannot  be  mixed  any  more  than  oil  and  water. 

"The  order  established  on  earth,  where  souls  by  strict 
obedience  may  have  salvation  from  sin,  and  power  to 
govern  every  imagination  of  the  heart  and  bring  into 
captivity    every   thought    into   obedience    to   the   law   of 


Walking  in  the  Light.  145 

Christ, — this  order  is  manifested  through  a  Visible  Lead 
and  here  is  where  obedience  is  required.  By  walking  in 
the  light,  or,  in  other  words,  by  doing,  thinking,  speak- 
ing or  hearing  nothing  but  what  is  known  of  the  lead 
and  canl  be  blest  by  the  lead  (this  is  my  understanding 
of  walking  in  the  lig'ht),  we  are  protected  from  the  power 
of  temptation  and  are  joined  to  the  resurrection  spheres. 
God  can  only  protect  souls  in  obedience.  He  has  placed 
an  order  on  earth  where  in  obedience  we  find  protection. 
All  conversation  which  tends  to  draw  the  feelings  from 
the  visible  lead  in  the  order  of  God  tends  in  other  direc- 
tions, a  step  in  nature.  Let  us  live  to  our  profession, 
and  let  the  old  relation  of  father  and  son  im  nature  be 
remembered  no  more  forever ;  but  let  us  become  as  good 
children,  gathering  in  love  to  our  new  father,  building 
up  a  new  relation  that  will  endure  when  time  is  no  more. 
This  is  my  simple  gospel  faith  and,  come  what  may,  I 
will  bow  my  body,  soul  and  spirit  in  humble  submis- 
sion thereto." 

When  Brother  Timothy  Rayson,  associate  of  Elder 
Frederick  Evans,  was  removed  to  the  Eldership  in  an- 
other family,  Daniel  Offord  was  appointed  his  successor. 
He  had  in  his  care  many  boys  and  young  brethren.  He 
was  devoted  to  them  and  they  loved  him  in  return.  He 
had  oversight  of  the  teams  and  in  his  training  of  the 
young  brethren  for  teamsters,  his  care  of  little  things  and 
his  thoughtful  consideration  for  others  is  manifest  in  a 
code  of  rules  which  he  drew  up  for  the  guidance  of  be- 
ginners. They  are  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  stable,  or 
wherever  horses  come  under  the  control  of  human  beings. 
Some  of  the  rules  contain  prirtciples  on  which  he  based 
his  dealings  with  human  beings  as  well  as  horses.  "When 
taking  out  the  team,  especially  in  the'  morning,"  he  says, 
"be  extra  patient  and  gentle,  for  they  are  then  the  most 
full  of  life,  which  life  should  be  directed  and  guided 
ky   the  teamster,   not  provoked   by   impatience  into  ugli- 


146  Elder  Daniel  Offord. 

ness." — "Remember,  iL  is  with  liarness  as  with  your  own 
clothes,  a  stitch  in  time  will  often  save  much  loss." — 
"Govern  your  own  spirit,  if  you  would  have  proper  con- 
trol of  your  horse.  Never  strike  a  horse  when  you  are 
out  of  temper.  Reprove  your  own  self,  then  you  will 
succeed  much  betteri  in  training  your  horse."  Naturally 
possessed  of  a  quick,  impatient  temper,  he  early  gained 
self-control  and  in  after  years  was  remarkable  for  his 
patient,  kind  disposition,  holding"  his  firm  self-control  in 
the  most  trying  and  vexing  circumstances.  "I  covenant 
to  look  out  for  the  little  things,"  was  his  vow,  when 
many  united  in  a  covenant  of  specific  consecration,  and 
he  never   forgot  it. 

He  was  fond  of  children,  keenly  observant  of  them 
and  interested  in  their  affairs  and  pleasures,  often  saving 
for  them  his  share  of  fruits  or  confections  from  the  table. 
His  patient  kindness  met  with  a  warm  return  of  affection 
from  boys  and  girls  alike.  "We  have  now  a  company 
of  eight  boys,"  he  once  wrote,  "and  we  have  plenty  of 
music,  not  all  in  harmony  or  perfect  unison.  One  good 
Elder  is  reported  as  saying  that  agitation  is  better  than 
stagnation,  and  so  we  think.  We  take  children  and  we 
try  to  make  good,  noble  men  and  women  of  them  and, 
if  possible,  permanent  members  of  our  order.  Blessed 
be  the  children,  and  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  will  never 
be  without  them !" 

Of  unusual  mechanical  gifts,  by  careful  study  of  the 
scientific  journals  that  came  in  his  way,  and  improving 
every  opportunity  to  learn  of  practical  mechanicians,  he 
kecame  equipped  with  knowledge  and  skill  to  do  nearly 
all  the  plumbing,  steam-fitting  and  machine  work  on  the 
place,  by  no  means  an  inconsiderable  task.  Boilers,  pipes 
that  underlie  miles  of  mountain  land,  machinery  that 
makes  light  the  labors  of  house  and  farm,  steam  radiators 
»f  a  half-century's  use,  sawmill,  water  and  steam  power 
wherever  needed, — all  are  the  work  of  his  active  brain 


Always  a  Vegetarian.  147 

and  busy  hands.  The  care  o£  steam-pipes  in  cold  winter 
nights,  when  others  were  asleep,  was  never  forgotten  nor 
neglected,  the  gleam  of  his  lantern,  as  he  went  swiftly 
from  place  to  place  over  the  wide  domain,  might  be 
seen  in  the  small  hours,  but  never  a  sound  to  disturb 
another,  or  a  complaint  when  the  next  day's  strenuous 
diities  found  him  weary  with  watching  and  care. 

A  vegetarian  from  early  childhood,  he  was  a  strong 
supporter  of  the  principles  instilled  by  Frederick  Evans, 
Daniel  Fraser,  Anna  White,  and  others.  The  reservoir 
above  the  house,  about  600  feet  distant,  constructed  in 
1876,  with  pipes  connecting  with  a  distant  pond  and 
leading  the  water  to  dwellings,  barns  and  laundry,  was 
largely  his  work.  At  the  time  of  its  construction.  Elder 
Hervey  Eads,  of  Kentucky,  a  strong  advocate  of  the 
meat  diet,  was  on  a  visit  to  Mount  Lebanon  and,  as 
usual,  he  and  Elder  Frederick  had  strenuous  disputations 
on  diet  and  theology.  Strolling  up  the  hill  to  see  the 
new  reservoir,  where  Brother  Daniel,  with  a  force  of 
men  and  boys,  was  laying  the  walls,  himself  doing  the 
work  of  any  three.  Elder  Hervey  watched  the  slight, 
active  figure  and  finally  burst  out,  "Brother  Daniel,  where 
do  you  get  your  tremendous  strength?"  Quick  as  a  flash 
came  the  answer, — "From  fruits,  vegetables  and  fari- 
nacea !" 

"It  seems  to  me,"  he  writes,  "so  rational  that  a  people 
living  a  spiritual,  angelic  life  in  thought  and  imagination 
should  have  a  diet  that  corresponds  with  their  soul  food 
and  a  business  that  is  in  harmony  with  the  angelic  life  of 
the  gospel  we  are  called  to  live.  Everything  about  the 
slaughtering  of  animals  is  repulsive  to  the  finer  fe*liagf 
of  the  soul,  and  a  fruitful  source  of  disease  to  our  mt- 
tal  bodies,  which  should  be  full  of  health,  without  a  mark 
of  Egypt  upon  them.  Then  should  we  truly  honor  and 
glorify  God  in  our  bodies. 

"I  tr»st   that  before   we   reach   the  next  c«itury-po»t, 


14^  EuTSR  Danisl  Optoso. 

there  will  be  a  Christian  people  on  the  earth  who  will 
have  learned  to  prepare  food  in  far  greater  perfection 
without  the  products  of  the  dairy  and  the  hen-yard,  than 
is  now  done  with  them.  The  subject  is  worthy  the  con- 
sideration of  all  who  are  striving  to  live  according  to  the 
Golden  Rule  and  the  Law  of  Love.  Peace  on  Earth  and 
Goodwill  exercised  toward  all  will  never  be  realized  until 
the  diet  of  the  people  is  changed.  When  humanity  of 
the  past  was  in  Eden,  fruits  and  grains  were  their  por- 
tion.   When  Eden  is  restored,  will  it  not  be  the  same?" 

Another  theme  on  which  Elder  Daniel  had  strong  con- 
victions and  felt  deeply  was  the  hired  labor  among  Be- 
lievers. "I  should  like  to  see,"  he  wrote  during  Elder 
Frederick's  second  mission  to  England,  in  1887,  "the 
Shaker  Order  started  in  England  and  Scotland  on  a 
strictly  vegetarian  basis, — the  people  over  there  are  ready 
for  it,  and  without  hired  help.  The  hireling  system  in  a 
community  is  antagonistic  to  the  growth  of  Christian 
Brotherhood;  hence  destructive  of  our  Christian  Com- 
munity." »,  -^"^J 

The  garden,  of  which  he  sometimes  had  the  care,  was 
very  suggestive  to  him  of  moral  and  spiritual  experiences. 
"It  is  very  easy  to  find  excuses  for  the  weeds  growing 
and  for  this,  that  and  the  other,  but  these  oftentimes 
make  matters  worse.  This  laying  to  Providence  or  the 
weather,  what  properly  belongs  to  our  carelessness  and 
after-thought,  is  hardly  the  thing.  Let  the  truth  stand, 
though  it  reveals  all  our  crooked  ways.  I  love  straight 
rows,  clean  of  weeds,  and  neatly  kept  borders.  They 
make  it  easier  to  be  good." 

"Make  good  resolutions  and  carry  them  out.  They 
help  the  growth  of  virtue  in  the  soul  and  are  as  gentle 
breezes  or  rays  of  sunshine,  or  as  showers  thali  often 
fall  upon  tender  plants.  Some  persons  make  good  reso- 
lutions, but  not  attaining  to  perfection  at  once,  become 
.discouraged  and  think  it  is  of  no  use  to  ktep  making 


"Sbakch  Out  the  Cause."  i4(f 

resolutions,  which  are  likely  to  be  brokeu,  and  that  it  is 
ouly  telling  falsehoods  and  does  no  good.  Shall  wc,  be- 
cause one  gentle  breeze,  or  one  ray  of  sunshine,  or  one 
single  shower  does  not  produce  a  crop,  say  it  does  no 
good?  No  one  would  be  so  foolish.  Because  one  reso- 
lution fails  to  bring  us  into  possession  of  any  particular 
virtue,  shall  we  therefore  cease  to  strive?  Nay!  God 
looks  at  the  heart  and  the  intent  of  the  soul,  therefore, 
let  us  make  good  resolutions  and  keep  them,  renew  and 
keep  renewing,  till  we  attain  to  that  to  which  we  as- 
pire." 

Elder  Daniel's  simple  habits  and  active  life  kept  him 
in  good  health,  although  he  had  a  naturally  weak  diges- 
tion and,  as  the  issue  proved,  a  tendency  to  heart  trouble. 
He  had  strong  convictions  on  the  duty  of  keeping  well, 
and  of  spiritual  causes  underlying  all  physical  and  tem- 
poral happenings.  "Search  out  the  cause,  eflfects  always 
follow  cause,"  was   his  oft   repeated  injunction. 

"The  weather,  oh  the  weather,  the  like  was  never  known 
before !"  he  wrote,  one  season  of  peculiar  manifestations. 
"What  a  story  we  that  are  young  will  have  to  tell  in  the 
next  century.  If  this  world  and  the  weather  are  only 
the  effects  of  spiritual  causes,  what  reformation  in  the 
world  of  cause  will  have  to  take  place  before  our  earth 
will  be  a  paradise.  We  need  not  wait  to  die  (pass  out 
of  the  mortal  body)  to  enter  the  spiritual  world  of  cause. 
There  are  many  now  upon  the  earth,  who  are  laboring 
to  remove  spiritual  causes,  that  the  dire  effects  mani- 
fested on  earth  in  human  conditions  may  cease.  When 
this  is  done,  no  doubt  the  weather  and  all  other  im- 
profitable  conditions  will   be  greatly  improved." 

Again,  "The  writer  is  in  the  healing  apartments,  hav- 
ing fallen  under  the  weather,  of  which  we  have  had  a 
great  abundance,  but  was  mercifully  picked  up  and  landed 
clear  of  the  storm ;  is  now  about  ready  for  another  battle 
with    wind    and    tide   and   whatever   else   constitutes   the 


ISO  Elder  Daniel  Ofposo. 

weather.  I  cannot  stay  long  under  conditions  in  which 
I  have  no  faith,  and  against  which  I  am  fighting  to  the 
best  of  my  ability.  As  we  grow  in  understanding,  we 
more  and  more  realize  that  effects  follow  cause,  and, 
if  we  are  not  prompt  to  remove  the  first  cause,  the  effects 
become  cause  for  other  effects,  and,  if  we  are  unwise,  we 
go  from  bad  to  worse,  in  geometrical  ratio.  No  other  way 
can  a  wise,  soul  pursue,  than  to  remove  the  first  cause. 
To  practice  what  of  truth  we  know  will  lead  us  to  the 
fount  whence  all  truth  doth  flow.  As  the  practice  of 
truth  is'  the  only  thing  that  will  make  us  free,  there  is 
no  hope  of  salvation  only  in  obedience. 

"We  realize  that  the  gospel  is  not  as  yet  manifest  in 
its  perfection.  We  are  longing  and  working  for  a  re- 
newed baptism  of  gospel  life,  fire  and  light.  It  needs 
a  good  deal  of  divine  wisdom  to  discern  the  truth,  and 
more  simplicity  to  acknowledge  it  when  presented.  Nothing 
but  a  genuine  love  for  truth  will  enable  anyone  to  accept 
and  obey  it.  Who  can  possibly  have  this  love,  but  those 
whose  lives  are  made  straight  by  being  squared  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  Golden  Rule? 

"What  a  glorious  sight  it  will  be  upon  this  earth, — 
a  body  of  people  living  in  a  section  of  country  where  the 
weeds  are  all  subdued,  where  there  are  no  destructive  ani- 
mals or  insects,  where  the  seasons  come  in  perfect  har- 
mony and  where  the  people  have  complete  control  not 
only  of  their  spirits  but  of  their  bodies.  No  accidents, 
no  sickness,  no  premature  death  and  no  burdensome  old 
age. 

His  own  grasp  of  the  spiritual  reality  underlying  physi- 
cal expressions  of  life  and  activity  was  so  strong,  that 
he  was  carried  safely  through  many  crises  which  might 
have  been  serious  accidents.  Once,  when  trimming  trees, 
the  high  branch  on  which  he  stood,  broke,  precipitating 
him  to  the  ground.  His  companions  thought  him  killed, 
but  he  was  conscious  of  resting  quietly  in  the  antic  •£ 


Practice  Should  Accord  with   Principle.      ,151 

Elder  Richard  Bushnell,  and  rose  from  the  ground  un- 
harmed and  unjarred.  Falling  through  an  open  trap- 
door, in  the  dark,  a  considerable  distance,  he  was  again 
uninjured.  In  the  most  dark  and  stormy  nights,  he 
would  go  alone  over  the  slippery  path  to  flume  and  water- 
gates,  and,  whatever  the  danger  that  threatened,  he  was 
always  ready  fearlessly  to  face  it,  prepared  to  do  what 
he  could.  "\Ve  ought  to  be  in  such  a  spiritual  receptive 
condition  that  we  could  always  heed  the  admonitions  of 
our  good  guardian  spirits  and  thus  bring  the  science 
of  spiritualism  into  practical  use.  There  are  no  accidents 
in  Christ,  Truth." 

"There  ought  to  be  wisdom  to  discern,"  he  said  at 
another  time,  "between  practice  and  principle,  atid  whether 
our  practices  are  in  accord  with  or  in  violation  of  our 
gospel  principles.  If  we  come  to  a  knowledge  that  our 
practice  violates  a  principle  essential  to  our  salvatiofl. 
spiritual  or  physical,  we  ought  to  possess  enough  of  the 
power  of  self-denial  to  cease  such  practices,  and  not  go 
blundering  along,  stumbling  at  the  cross.  Salvation,  and 
protection  from  the  power  of  sin  and  self-indulgence 
that  leads  to  sickness,  disease  and  death,  physically 
or  spirituallyji  should  be  our  constant  aim." 

In  January,  1890.  he  wrote :  "We  have  recently  put 
np  a  private  telephone  line  through  our  village,  reaching 
to  Canaan.  All  who  will,  of  the  families,  can  now  hitch 
on  and  make  our  bond  of  union  stronger.  I  have  been 
thinking  that  in  the  near  future,  we  should  have  a  tangible 
line  between  this  our  world  and  the  summer  land  we  sing 
about." 

Elder  Daniel  was  much  interested  in  the  schools  and 
in  the  training  of  children.  "The  subject  of  education," 
he  said,  "is  one  that  all  who  take  an  interest  in  the  ris- 
ing generation  should  study  nnd  exercise  their  minds  upon. 
The  whole  everyday  life  of  our  community  is  industrial 
education,   and   it   is    first  rate;    but   industrial    education, 


153  Elder  Daniel  Offord. 

practiced  mechanically,  is  drudgery  in  its  lowest  sense, 
even  when  exercised  in  that  which  is  congenial.  While 
that  which  would  usually  be  termed  menial,  if  mind 
and  brain  be  brought  to  bear  upon  it,  becomes  interest- 
ing and  elevating.  No  labor,  however  disagreeable,  if 
its  end  is  use,  is  in  any  way  dishonorable.  But  when 
the  necessity  of  the  labor  is  scientifically  understood, 
the  disagreeable  is  largely  diminished.  Our  district  or 
home  schools  should  be  so  conducted  that  they  will  instill 
into  the  minds  of  the  pupils  the  light  of  understanding, 
and  made  so  interesting  that  the  children  will  drink 
in  by  absorption.  What  a  child  imderstands,  it  will 
remember,  what  is  learned  mechanically,  is  soon  for- 
gotten." 

"To  really  enjoy  life,  we  want  to  have  a  high  ideal, 
something  we  can  look  up  to  and  be  working  toward. 
It  is  the  inspiration  of  our  lives.  It  is  that  which  dis- 
tinguishes man  from  the  animal.  I  love  to  have  the 
angel  come  down  and  trouble  the  waters,  it  gives  oppor- 
tunity for  exercise  and  the  power  to  do  good.  Life  is 
a  continual  problem,  solved  one  day  at  a  time." 

"I  should  like  to  see  a  Village  Improvement  Associa- 
tion," he  said  more  than  once,  "started  in  our  societies, 
so  as  to  cultivate  in  a  practical  way  a  genuine  public 
spirit.  Have  a  union  labor  week,  to  improve  and  beauti- 
fy the  village,  and  the  roads  and  road-sides.  To  cast 
up  a  highway  and  gather  out  the  stones,  nor  have  our 
sight  hurt  by  noxious  weeds  and  briers,  that  ought  to 
be  dealt  with  as  the  tares  of  old."  Often  he  would  say, 
"Let  the  light  shine  through  all  our  works,  financially, 
as   well   as   morally   and   spiritually." 

His  attitude  towards  sisters  and  women  generally  was 
that  of  the  spiritual  father  and  brother — the  true  son 
of  the  divine.  His  devotion  to  the  truth  of  the  Mother- 
hood in  God  made  his  conduct  toward  Her  visible  repre- 
sentative one  of   reverent,   tender  consideration.    To  all 


He  Saw   Goodness  and  Kindness.  153 

sisters,  he  was  a  thoughtful,  care-taking  protector.  One 
of  the  Mothers  in  Israel  suffering  from  the  effects  of  a 
chill  in  riding,  he  wrote:  "Let  all  our  aged  friends  learn 
from  her  experience,  when  passing  from  the  warm  cars, 
to  ride  in  the  open  air,  to  put  on  warm  wraps ;  and  we, 
that  are  young,  whose  duty  it  is  to  convey  our  gospel 
friends  from  place  to  place,  should  not  forget  the  extra 
wraps,  and,  when  possible,  provide  a  covered  carriage 
with  noble,  trusty  steeds  attached.  When  long  journeys 
are  to  be  taken,  a  warm  soapstone  will  be  very  accept- 
able. These  should  be  heated  in  the  oven  and  not  on  a 
hot  stove.  By  so  doing,  they  will  not  get  hot  enough 
to  burn."  His  filial  devotion  to  Eldress  Anna  White,  in 
her  declining  years,  was  beautiful  to  see,  manifesting  the 
loving,  reverent  kindness  of  a  true  son  in  the  gospel. 

After  some  difficult  and  dangerous  work,  like  harvest- 
ing the  ice  or  cutting  the  ensilage,  he  would  express  in 
the  tenderest  manner  his  gratitude  for  the  protection  from 
accident,  and  to  his  helpers  for  their  kind,  courteous 
spirit,  and,  if  no  oaths  had  slipped  from  the  lips  of  any 
of  the  hired  helpers,  he  was  sure  to  notice  it  gratefully. 
When  he  went  to  a  public  gathering,  or  visited  a  dis- 
tant city,  he  never  seemed  to  see  any  of  the  disagree- 
able elements  of  life,  but  would  come  home  filled  to 
his  soul's  brim  with  the  good  things  he  had  seen,  the 
kindness  met  on  the  street,  in  crowded  stations  and  sub- 
ways, and  the  universal  goodwill  he  saw  practiced  on  every 
hand.  No  one  who  once  looked  into  his  clear,  loving 
eyes,  could  have  said  anything  but  a  kindly  word  to  him. 
He  read  of  untoward  conditions  and  thought  much  of 
them  and  their  remedy,  but,  when  abroad  among  men, 
he  could  see  only  the  goodness  and  kindness  in  the 
world. 

He  was  greatly  interested  in  the  work  of  that  cham- 
pion of  the  children  and  the  common  people,  Judge  Ben 
Lindsay,  of  Denver,  reading  with  absorbed  attention  and 


154  Elder  Daniel  Oftord. 

deep  feeling  everything  that  came  in  his  way  about  the 
Juvenile  Court  and  the  life  of  its  founder.  Other  great 
leaders  of  the  life  of  tlie  time,  who  met  all  men  on  the 
basis  of  the  Golden  Rule  and  the  Brotherhood  of  man, 
were  often  spoken  of  in  most  tender  and  appreciative 
manner.  It  was  a  delight  to  him  to  watch  the  growth 
in  practical  life  of  the  principle  of  dealing  with  all  men 
and  women  as  brothers  and  sisters,  children  of  the  One 
Father  and  Mother.  The  boys  of  the  Berkshire  Farm 
and  all  lads  and  lassies  everywhere  were  subjects  of 
thought  and  kindly  feeling.  The  tramp,  who  came  shiv- 
ering through  the  snow,  was  taken  in  and  cared  for  like  a 
long-lost  brother,  and  the  poor  man  who  had  no  other 
friend,  knew  him  as  the  one  who  would  remember  and 
help.  One  to  whom  he  had  yearly  sent  substantial  assist- 
ance, said,  "What  shall  I  do,  how  can  I  get  through  the 
winter,  wihtout  his  kind  care? 

The  kindly  spirit  of  the  gospel,  the  universal  love  it 
inculcates,  had  in  him  free  course.  He  was  ever  sending 
out  his  thought  of  love  and  cheer  to  all  in  Zion.  Often 
would  he  call  for  the  old  song  to  be  sung,  to  those  far 
away,  his  rich,  strong  voice  holding  the  shout  at  the 
end,  till  it  seemed  as  if  it  might  reach  the  most  remote: 

"We'll  waft  a  waft  of  love  through  Zion, 

To  our  kindred  everywhere. 
We'll  shout   a  shout   of  gospel  blessing. 

That  angels  on  their  wings  will  bear. 
Over  mountain,  over  valley, 

Over  plain  and  flowing  rill. 
We'll  extend  the  gift  of  union 

Till  our  kindred  it  doth  fill." 

"To  all,  far  and  near,  in  our  Zion  home,  we  say  peace 

and  everlasting  love. 
To  those  not  yet  in  the  fold,  come,  for  the  Lord  hatih 
need  of  thee." 


"The   Brightest   Spots  in   My  Life."  15s 

"The  brightest  spots  in  my  life,"  he  said,  "are  the  blessed 
experiences  with  gospel  friends,  in  our  spiritual  meetings. 
They  are  the  living  springs  from  fountains  that  never 
fail.  If  the  amount  of  good  done  by  Believers  through 
their  public  meetings  could  be  summed  up,  what  a  mighty 
pile  there  would  be !  So  we  will  toil  on  and  pray  on, 
sow  early  and  late,  and  never  forget  the  assembling  of 
ourselves  together."  Nor  did  he, — never  too  weary  and 
worn,  too  over-burdened  by  hard  work  and  care,  long 
hours  and  wearisome  duties,  to  join  in  the  servJ««  of 
song  and   testimony. 

Looking  out  upon  the  condition  of  churches  and  so- 
ciety at  large,  he  said,  "It  seems  to  be  a  timei  of  great 
agitation  in  the  world  of  ideas,  but  very  little  inclination 
to  settle  down  to  practical,  unselfish  right-doing.  We 
are  bearing  aloft  the  gospel  testimony,  which  is  truth. 
It  is  mighty  and  will  prevail.  It  is  a  matter  for  heart- 
felt gratitude  that  we  have  no  cast-iron  creed  to  keep 
the  soul  from  growing  into  a  more  perfect  knowledge 
of  the  truth,  continually.  Above  all  peoples  should  we 
be  the  most  free,  and  the  most  willing  to  acknowledge 
truth  wherever  it  is  manifested.  Is  there  any  other 
way  we  can  come  in  unity  of  faith  unto  perfect  men  and 
women,  to  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fullness  of 
Christ? 

"We  certainly  are  living  in  very  extraordinary  times, 
and  a  mighty  revolution  is  upon  us.  The  conditions 
are  upon  us  that  will  try  men's  souls  and  women's,  too. 
Everything,  external  and  internal,  is  calling  for  energy 
and  the  consecration  of  our  best  talents.  No  time  to 
waste  in  dreaming  or  vain  speculation.  The  revela- 
tion of  truth  and  the  application  of  it  to  everyday  life 
is  the  only  thing  that  will  save  from  sin  and  bring  the 
kingdom  of  righteousness  in  the  earth.  They  that  do 
right  are  righteous;  those  who  compromise  with  wrong 
for  expedience  or  worldly  advantage  are  heaping  up  fuel 


156  Elder  Daniel  Offord. 

that  will  burn  only  to  their  discomfort.    Let  us  be  care- 
ful, watchful  and  prayerful. 

"The  year  is  drawing  to  a  close.  I  wish  all  my  gospel 
friends  a  healthy,  temperate  Thanksgiving,  a  truly  Pente- 
costal Christmas  and  a  New  Year  filled  with  the  glory 
of  God's  summer  that  has  passed  and  the  harvest  that 
has  ended.  We  have  many  things  to  be  thankful  for,  a 
few  to  regret,  which  in  the  coming  year  we  hope  to 
improve ;  and  some  bright  hopes  that  fill  our  souls  with 
courage  and  determination  to  work  more  faithfully  and 
bring  about  that  good  thing  which  will  make  this  earth 
a  paradise  and  thus  fulfill  the  prayer  of  the  Saviour. 
We  see  many  changes  which  we  desire  should  be  made 
for  the  better  understanding  of  our  gospel,  and  for  the 
further  development  of  our  pure  and  holy  faith.  Is 
there  any  better  way  to  bring  it  about  than  by  just  go- 
ing to  work  and  doing  it?"  This  was  ever  his  attitude. 
"Let  us  all  go  to  work  and  do  it.  Think,  feel,  speak 
and  do  the  right.  Square  our  lives  by  the  Golden  Rule. 
Live  the  gospel  of  Jesus  and  Mother." 

At  one  time,  a  subject  of  much  thought  and  some  ex- 
periment in  the  family  was  that  of  the  milk  diet.  Elder 
Daniel  gave  it  a  trial  for  one  year,  when,  convinced  that 
for  him  it  was  not  entirely  satisfactory,  he  gave  it 
up.  The  first  week  of  the  trial,  he  kept  a  record  of  his 
meals  and  the  work  done.  The  tale  of  long  hours  and 
hard  labor  was  the  record  not  of  one  week  alone,  but  of 
the  fifty-two  of  his  every  working  year.  The  record 
reads : 

"Experience  With  Milk  Diet. 

"Started  on  Monday,  September  25th.  Weighed  myself 
in  shirt,  pants  and  feetings.  108  pounds.  For  break- 
fast drank  one  and  one-half  pints  of  milk,  not  new.  Also 
took  a  little  whole  wheat  pudding  with  cream.    Dinner, 


A  Year  of  Milk  Diet.  tf7 

one  and  one-half  pints  milk,  not  new,  with  two  pieces  of 
Graham  bread  with  a  little  apple-sauce,  sugar  and  cream. 
Supper,  the  same  as  for  dinner,  p'elt  very  comfortable 
all  day.  Up  at  3:30  a.  m.  Worked  at  the  ensilage  and 
did  not  spare  myself  in  the  least.  Felt  no  lack  of 
strength  or  any  faintnes*. 

"26th.  Breakfast,  Graham  crackers  instead  of  pudding, 
dinner  and  supper  the  same  as  yesterday.  Work  the 
same  and  a  little  harder.  Up  at  about  the  same  time 
and  retire  after  9  p.  m. 

"27th.  Breakfast,  one  and  one-half  pints  of  new  milk, 
with  a  few  graham  crackers.  Dinner  and  supper,  milk 
and  a  little  pear  sauce  and  cream ;    worked  at  the  barn. 

"28th.  Breakfast,  dinner  and  supper  the  same.  Work 
the  same. 

"29th.  Breakfast,  about  one  quart  of  new  milk.  Noth- 
ing else.  Dinner,  about  one  quart  of  milk,  not  new,  with 
a  little  sauce  and  cream,  supper  the  same.  Worked 
hard  at  the  barn.     Rose  3  130,  retired  after  9. 

"30th.  The  same  as  yesterday,  only  omitted  all  solid 
food. 

''October  ist.  Nothing  but  milk  and  a  little  sauce  and 
cream.  Nearly  every  night  have  taken  just  before  re- 
tiring about  one  and;  one-half  pints  of  milk. 

"Saturday  night,  I  felt  fine.  Sabbath  afternoon,  felt 
quite  lame  in  my  back  and  began  to  think  I  could  not 
attend  the  ensilage  business. 

"2nd.  A  little  lame  in  the  back.  Breakfast,  had  one 
quart  or  nearly  that  of  new  milk.  Find  cold  milk  is 
not  quite  so  good.  Nothing  to-day  but  milk  and  a  little 
sauce  with  cream  and  sugar.  Worked  very  hard,  but  did 
not  rise  till  5  a.  m. 

"3rd.  Lameness  all  gone,  feel  fine.  Milk  one  aad 
one-half  pints,  a  little  sauce  and  cream."  [His  weight 
increased  under  the  milk  regimen  and  he  found  himself 
in  good  health  during  the  year.] 


I|B  Elder  Daniel  Otford. 

When  the  experience  of  Eldress  Anna  brought  Christian 
Science  into  prominence  in  the  family,  Elder  Daniel  was 
prepared  to  accept  its  teachings  and,  as  far  as  the  feel- 
ings of  others  permitted,  to  make  it  a  subject  of  thought 
and  study  in  the  family.  His  demonstrations  of  its  prin- 
ciples upon  himself  and  others  and  even  upon  the  ani- 
mals in  the  barns,  were  of  a  remarkable  character,  but, 
although  he  was  often  inclined  to  plead  the  cause  with 
opposing  minds,  he  was  very  slow  to  give  an  account 
of  the  cures  wrought  through  his  agency  in  its  practice. 
He  never  gave  up  the  study  of  "Science  and  Health." 

Deficiencies  in  early  education  he  made  up  as  far  as 
po-jsible  by  painstaking  habits  of  reading  and  observation. 
His  sense  of  right  and  his  love  for  humanity  made  him 
a  reformer  in  the  truest  sense.  Seeing  beyond  the  veil 
of  phenomena,  he  would  first  square  his  own  soul  with  the 
law  of  Absolute  Truth  and  Love,  then  help  clear  the 
vision  and  strengthen  the  wills  of  all  whom  he  could 
influence.  His  clear  thought,  straightforward  expression 
and  fervent  spirit  made  his  writings  lucid  and  interest- 
ing, his  public  utterances  convincing,  impressive  and  in- 
spiring. In  his  thorough  manner,  he  took  up  the  study 
of  music,  becoming  a  correct  and  able  leader  and  for 
many  years  conducted  the  service  of  song  in  the]  public 
worship.  His  voice  in  song  as  in  testimony  was  a  clear, 
rich  and  inspiring  instrument  for  the  use  of  the  Spirit. 

In  all  mechanical  emergencies  through  the  village.  Elder 
Daniel  was  the  helper  to  whom  appeal  was  made  and 
never  was  he  too  busy  or  hard-pressed  to  respond.  His 
time  and  his  teams  were  at  the  disposal  of  any  one  who 
desired  conveyance,  and  for  visitors  to  the  village  he  was 
always  ready  to  furnish  conveyance  and  transportation. 
His  sense  of  consecration  to  the  communistic  brother- 
hood and  sisterhood  reached  to  the  most  practical  and 
common  affairs. 

In    counsel,    he    was    careful,    conscientiously   studying 


Unselfish  Brothekhood  in  Righteousness.       159 

conditions,  fearlessly  frank  in  expression  of  his  convic- 
tions, his  judgment  sound  and  his  conclusions  generally 
reliable.  But  his  viewpoint  was  that  of  the  moral  idealist, 
the  man  who  looked  for  unselfish  brotherhood  in  right- 
eousness, not  that  of  worldly  advantage  or  the  shrewd- 
ness of  the  man  of  mere  business  relations  on  the  plane 
of  selfish  acquisition. 

Appointed  to  lead  the  worship  in  society  meetings,  he 
prepared  himself  with  what  pains  and  care  his  many 
temporal  duties  would  permit,  and  his  strong,  searching 
testimony  on  themes  suggested  by  public  issues  or  so- 
ciety needs  was  ever  from  the  deepest  convictions  of  his 
honest,  unselfish,  truth-loving  heart.  For  many  years,  one 
of  the  burden-bearers  in  the  society,  he  read  with  true 
insight  the  conditions  and  needs  of  all  the  societies,  and 
his  soul  was  many  times  bowed  to  the  earth  in  sorrow 
over  the  saddening  conditions  in  which  he  read  the  sure 
effects  of  spiritual  causes  far  back  in  the  years.  That 
so  few  were  willing  to  correct  the  errors  of  the  past  by 
more  strenuous  eflFort.  by  foundation  building  to  the  line 
and  plummet  of  truth  and  righteousness  to-day,  was  a 
constant  surprise  and  grief. 

He  wrote  to  a  friend  in  1908:  "Have  you  seen  and 
talked  to  Elder  Frederick,  lately?  He  has  been  thought 
of  considerable,  and  to-day  in  meeting  one  had  the  im- 
pression that  he  wished  to  communicate  something,  but 
we  are  so  absorbed  in  material  things  that  we  cannot 
clearly  understand  what  or  where.  We  are  passing 
through  an  experience  that  I  think  is  preparatory  to 
something  that  is  to  follow,  which  will  bring  great  changes 
in  our  order.  What  those  changes  will  be,  none  can  tell 
till  the  times  are  fulfilled.  A  few  things  we  are  sure  of: 
that  the  few  in  our  order,  who  are  bearing  the  burden, 
are  nearing  the  time  when  they  will  take  their  exit  from 
the  scenes  of  time,  and  none  are  in  the  range  of  our 
>-ision  who  can  take  their  places.    We  know  that  princi- 


i(5o  iEi^DER  Daniel  Offord. 

pies  remain  the  same  always,  but  how  can  they  be  mani- 
fested, materialized,  except  through  some  agency?  Mar- 
velous things  are  transpiring  every  day  in  the  material 
world,  that  a  few  years  ago  we  should  have  declared  im- 
possible. Yet  the  principles  by  which  they  are  accom- 
plished have  always  existed.  We  trust  there  is  that  go- 
ing on  in  the  spiritual  realm  equally  as  wonderful.  O 
for  a  look  into  the  future !  It  would  make  the  duty  of 
to-day  clear.  We  can  look  into  the  future  and  have  a 
mental  vision  of  the  inevitable,  the  passing  away  of  the 
present  leaders.  But  who  can  see  the  builders  of  the 
new  order,  that  Elder  Frederick  in  days  gone  by  told  so 
much  about.  Wliere  is  the  prophet  of  the  Lord,  the 
anointed  one  to  cast  up  the  highway  and  make  the  paths 
straight  for  the  ransomed  to  walk  in?" 

In  the  busy  days  of  1909,  he  wrote:  "I  never  had  such 
a  busy  time  in  all  my  life,  that  I  can  remember.  One 
thing  following  another  in  such  quick  succession,  that 
it  is  with  great  labor  and  care  that  I  can  steer  clear 
of  confusion  and  difficulties  that  are  constantly  arising. 
But,  thanks  be  to  the  Divine  Power  that  over-rules  and 
is  always  a  'present  help  in  trouble !' " 

In  February,  1910,  he  writes : 

"Wei  have  just  passed  through  a  severe  snowstorm,  or 
rather,  a  great  snowstorm  has  just  passed  us.  On  Satur- 
day morning,  was  the  greatest  blow  I  think  we  have 
had  this  winter.  We  have  not  had  such  a  winter  in 
our  mountains  in  many  years.  But  Ave  have  a  good 
supply  of  coal  and  a  large  supply  of  wood,  and  I  think 
we  have  abundant  opportunity  to  exercise  ourselves  in 
patience  and  gratitude.  Human  nature  is  about  the  same 
to-day  as  it  was  when  the  Children  of  Israel  were  jour- 
neying through  the  wilderness.  What  are  we  going  to 
do  about  it?  I  see  no  better  way  to  do  than  to  be 
good.     As  one  of  our  very  old  hymns  expresses  it, 


A  Friend  of  the  Working  Man.  i«i 

'^e'U  rise  in  the  morning, 
Pray  let  us  take  warning, 

And  do  as  we've  often  been  told ; 
Our  zeal  be  renewing, 
Our  journey  pursuing, 

And  put  away  all  that  is  old. 
Then  Mother  will  own  us, 
And  love  us  and  bless  us, 

And  give  us  a  robe  that  is  white; 
We'll  wear  it;  we'll  wear  it. 
For  Mother's  prepared  it. 

To  give  to  such  souls  as  do  right." 

Memories  of  his  beautiful  life  and  inspiring  personality 
enrich  the  home  he  loved.  His  kindly  services  were  not 
limited  to  his  own  family  or  society,  but  wherever  he 
could  be  of  use,  there  hands  and  brain  were  busy.  To 
his  neighbors,  he  was  generous  and  brotherly.  At  his 
funeral  service,  working-men  crowded  the  room  and  tears 
were  shed  by  many  a  strong,  hard-working  man,  who  felt 
thati  in  Daniel  Offord  he  had  lost  a  friend  such  as  the 
world  would  never  give  again. 

His  bright  smile,  his  clear,  far-seeing  eyes,  his  noble 
head  and  grand  forehead,  the  mighty  soul  animating  a 
slender  frame, — sparing  of  food,  sparing  of  words,  but 
lavish  of  strength  and  toil,  all  for  others,  never  for  him- 
self. All  through  the  years,  his  light,  quick,  noiseless 
step  about  the  house,  in  the  sense  of  the  home  as  it  had 
been  consecrated,  a  dwelling-place  for  the  redeemed  liv- 
ing in  the  Sacred  Presence  of  the  Divine,  he  seemed 
often  more  of  spirit  than  man.  His  strong,  rich  voice, 
lifting  the  grand  old  testimonial  songs  of  the  faith — 
that  rich  heritage  of  Believers,  now  being  fast  taken  back, 
with  these  last  children  of  the  light,  to  the  heavens  of 
inspiration  whence  they  came.  The  cheery,  hopeful  smile, 
with  which  he  met  all  the  issues  of  the  last  busy  years. 


i62  Elder  Daniel  Offord. 

the  grief-stricken  heart  he  bore,  when  his  beloved  Mother 
in  the  gospel  left  him,  the  brave  giving  of  his  strength 
to  the  ever-crowding  demands  of  the  time,  in  the  effort 
to  fill  in  all  the  vacant  places,  the  patient,  forgiving  spirit 
when  reviled  and  persecuted,  smitten  and  deserted  by 
those  to  whom  he  had  given  love  and  prayer  and  gentle 
teaching, — ^all,  and  more  than  can  be  told  in  words  of 
earthly  speech,  live  unforgotten  in  the  hearts  of  those 
who  honored  and  loved  him. 

One  thing  only  he  could  not  do, — care  for,  spare  him- 
self. With  aching  hearts  his  people  saw  the  sacrifice  go 
on  and  were  powerless  to  hinder  or  prevent.  He  met 
the  last  call  as  he  wished, — "Not  to  be  sick,  but  to  work 
right  up  to  the  last  moment,  then, — Go!"  Thus,  on  that 
bright  February  day,  when  all  in  the  home  were  busy, 
unseeing  and  unheeding,  he  heard  the  angels  call  him, 
dropped  the  mortal  and  was  gone. 

"He  That  Loseth  His  Life  for  My  Sake  Shall  Find  It." 
Matt.  10:39. 

While  many  are  bringing  heartfelt  tributes  to  the 
memory  of  one  so  richly  worthy,  I  would  touch  but  a  few 
points  in  a  life  about  which  volumes  might  b'e  written. 
All  readers  of  Social  Science  are  aware  of  the  argument 
against  communistic  life,  on  the  ground  that  competition, 
with  love  of  private  property  and  family,  are  essential 
to  the  highest  exertion  and  fullest  development  of  the 
faculties. 

Those  who  thus  plead  can  have  no  conception  of  the 
exquisite  delight  in  service  and  wonderful  power  of  en- 
durance where  self  is  forgotten  and  all  endeavor  is  stimu- 
lated by  holy  ideals  and  the  love  of  kindred  hearts.  Of 
this,  the  life  of  Elder  Daniel  Offord  was  a  remarkable 
demonstration. 

For  the  mere  accumulation  of  money  or  the  support  of 


He  Made  of  Every  Duty  An  Act  of  Worship.    i6j 

private  family,  did  ever  any  man  work  as  Elder  Daniel 
worked  with  heart  and  brain  and  hand,  and,  with  such 
limited  opportunities,  develop  faculties  so  diversified  for 
service  of  such  high  order? 

Not'  a  turn  can  be  made  over  our  extensive  premises 
but  are  found  comforts  and  substantial  improvements 
attesting  to  his  skill  and  loving  devotion.  His  high  offi- 
cial position  for  so  many  years,  with  power  to  direct  and 
apportion  the  work  of  others,  has  never  deterred  hmi 
from  personal  toil  in  any  laborious  service.  He  never 
shirked  the  muddy  ditch  or  sooty  flue,  and  whatever 
task  was  disagreeable  or  hard  for  another,  that  was  the 
one  he  chose  for  himself.  No  work  was  menial,  for  his 
intelligence,  self-sacrifice  and  consecration  made  of  every 
duty  an  act  of  worship. 

During  the  fifty  years  in  which  our  principal  buildings 
have  been  heated  by  steam,  especially  in  severe  weather 
his  nights  were  shortened,  that  in  earliest  calls  to  duty. 
our  rooms  should  always  be  comfortable.  Did  he  know 
of  any  one  being  on  duty  watching  over  the  sick?  In 
the  still  hours  of  the  night,  careful  that  none  should  be 
disturbed,  fires  were  renewed,  water  heated,  or  any 
thoughtful  kindness  rendered.  When  falling  mercury 
warned  of  danger  to  water-pipes  or  stores  of  provisions, 
often  the  whole  night  was  passed  in  making  tires  here 
and  there,  or  otherwise  protecting  from  injury.  In  furi- 
ous storms,  when  dams  were  in  danger,  or  overflowing 
streams  threatened  floods,  he  found  his  way  to  reservoir 
gates  or,  heaving  aside  the  massing  debris,  turned  the 
swift  waters  in  a  safe  course;  in  continual  watch  in  all 
the  liabilities  of  danger  to  the  premises,  he  was  verily 
a  guardian  angel  of  great  might. 

No  self-indulging  dissipations  were  ever  permitted. 
Over  every  passion  of  mind  and  body,  he  held  the  most 
rigid  control.  The  baptism  of  which  Jesus  spake  is  as 
the  fire  of  the  alchemist  turning  baser  metals  into  gold. 


S&f  Elder  Daniel  Otfokd. 

The  strongest  passions  and  forces  of  nature  are  thus 
utilized  on  the  plane  of  higher,  spiritual  activities.  In  our 
Brother,  these  baptisms  were  often  renewed,  through  deep 
labor  of  soul.  In  the  meager  way  in  which  he  provided 
for  himself  and  the  energy  and  thoroughness  in  which 
he  planned  and  wrought  for  the  future,  he  lived  by  that 
injunction  of  our  Founder,  which  he  often  quoted:  "Do 
your  work  as  though  you  expected  to  live  a  thousand 
years  and  as  though  you  were  to  die  to-morrow." 

He  was  severely  critical  relative  to  his  own  short- 
comings, but  noble,  frank  and  humble  in  acknowledg- 
ment had  he  consciously  or  unconsciously  wronged  or 
grieved  another.  Magnanimous  and  forgiving,  never  re- 
taliating or  permitting  himself  to  hold  hard  feelings, 
though   sensitive  and  often   deeply  wounded. 

Realizing  the  Divine  Oneness,  that  all  were  the  chil- 
dren of  One  Parentage,  with  the  same  human  needs,  his 
sympathies  and  efforts  were  not  confined  to  home  inter- 
ests. If  he  failed  in  reasonable  care  for  himself,  it 
was  because,  with  his  intensely  energetic  temperament,  his 
keen  eye  for  improvements  and  his  unselfish  nature,  he 
saw  so  much  to  be  done,  and  he  counted  not  his  life 
dear  except  for  such  service  as  would  bring  more  of 
heaven  to  earth. 

He  walked  in  the  truth  as  upon  a  sea  of  glass.  His 
faith  was  as  a  diamond's  glow,  his  purity  as  a  stainless 
robe,  his  religion,  self-renunciation.  He  grandly  gave 
his  life  and  has  found  the  life  eternal. 

Eldress  M.  Catherine  Allen, 
Mount  Lebanon,  N.  Y. 

I  went  to  Mount  Lebanon,  the  first  time,  out  of  curi- 
osity: I  went  afterward,  again  and  again,  out  of  love  for 
its  inmates.  Chief  of  them  all  were  Eldress  Anna  White, 
whose  pure,  luminous  soul  shone  out  through  every  look 
and  action ;  and  Elder  Daniel  Offord,  apostle  of  accuraiQr 

and  caretaking. 

Will  CASLRoir. 


I.U\1X|,     .-KKVKK. 


Aix  That  Hi  Taught,  He  Lxwd.  t*| 

II 
IN  MEMORY. 

THE  first  thoughts  that  come  to  mind  *t  this  time 
are   of  grief  and   a  deep  sense  of  loss.     The 
passing  out  of  our  midst  of  our  brother  is  the 
heaviest  blow  that  could  befall.     We  know  that 
the  spirit  of  sympathy  in  our  loss  is  deeply  felt  by  those 
outside  of  the  home  circle,   for  how  many  have  shared 
in  his  broad  unselfish  spirit  of  brotherly  helpfulness ! 

But,  we  are  not  here  to  mourn  or  give  utterance  to 
our  sorrow,  but  rather  to  be  glad  that  the  blessing  and 
presence  of  such  a  noble  character  has  been  ours  so 
long,  and  that  his  memory  may  be  ours  forever.  Truly, 
our  brother  has  exemplified  the  best  gifts,  an  '.nTtarnished 
soul,  a  high  sense  of  duty  and  consecration.  We  knew 
that  he  lived  for  principles  of  right  as  far  as  he  could 
see  them,  we  therefore  trusted  him.  We  felt  that  he 
was  above  all  mean  grasping  and  we  respected  him.  We 
knew  that  he  was  unselfish,  ready  to  give  his  life  for 
others,  we  therefore  loved  him. 

If  any  one  has  fulfilled  the  commandment  to  love  the 
Tvord  our  God  with  all  our  heart  and  mind  and  strength 
and  our  neighbor  as  ourself,  it  is  our  departed  brother. 
How  his  moral  precepts  came  home  to  us ;  how  his  ideals 
of  righteousness  appealed  to  us ;  how  his  faith  and  trust 
in  God  inspired  us !  And  all  that  he  taught,  he  lived. 
But  the  star  of  his  character  was  his  unselfish  devotion. 
No  duty  too  heavy,  no  task  too  menial,  to  perform  for 
the  good  of  all.  Truly  we  may  say  of  him,  he  went 
about   doing  good. 

Such  a  life  was  so  much  needed  amongst  us :  and 
with  dimmed  eyes  and  dumb  lips,  we  know  not  what  to 
say,  but  feel  that  we  must  have  that  waiting  and  trust- 
ing spirit,   that  we  call   faith  in  God,  knowing  that  the 


ii6  Elder  Daniel  Offow). 

hifher  life  of  the  immortals  has  claimed  him.  And  may 
we  not  see  him,  with  strong,  brave  hands  uplifted  to 
catch  the  vision  of  the  future, — forever  reaching  out  to 
those  ideals  of  righteousness  for  the  fulfillment  of  which 
he  ha«  so  nobly  striven? 

Annie  Rosetta  Stephens, 

Mount  Lebanon,  N.  Y. 

Lines  written  for  the  last  birthday  of  Elder  Daniel 
Offord,  his  sixty-seventh,  little  dreaming  it  would  be  his 
test,  and  listened  to  by  him  with  wet  eyes : 

A  word  or  two  for  the  brother  ■ 

Whose  days  are  filled  to  the  brim. 
With  work  and  thought,  and  thought  and  werk. 

For  others  and  not  for  him. 

A  word  or  two   for  the  brother 

Whose  aim  is  always  the  right, — 
Not  always   reached,   but  every   step 

Leads  farther  into  the  light. 

A  word  or  two  for  the  brother 

So  swift  in  these  busy  days, 
With  never  a  pause,  though  oft  we  fear 

'Mid  more  of  blame  than  praise. 

May  his  be  a  year  of  blessing, — 

A  year  of  the  "Heavenly  Peace," — 
A  blessing  which  broadens  and  brightens, 

A  peace  that  will  ever  increase! 

Y^Then  birthdays  no  longer  are  n«mb«r«d, 
And  the  richer  life  is  begun, 


Faithful  and  True.  i#f 

May  he  hear  from  the  Elder  Brother, 
"Faithful  and  true,  well  done!" 

— Grace  Ada  Brown^ 

Mount  Lebanon. 

Beloved  Eldress  Sarah  and  Gospel  Friends,  All  : 

Learning  of  your  very  sad  bereavement,  we  hasten  to 
express  to  you  our  sincere  sympathy,  in  this  great  sor- 
row. This  trial,  following  so  soon  after  the  death  of 
loved  Eldress  Anna,  adds  pathos  to  the  experience  you 
are  passing  through,  and  touches  a  very  tender  chord  in 
our  heart's  deepest  affection.  In  these  severe  afflictions, 
which  so  often  come  to  God's  people,  we  turn  in  prayer 
to  that  Divine  Guidance,  in  which  we  have  unfailing  con- 
fidence, asking  that  our  Heavenly  Father  minister  com- 
fort and  consolation  in  this  sad  hour.  The  noble  exam- 
ple of  devotion,  in  the  life  of  Elder  Daniel,  to  a  cause 
which  he  claimed  to  be  the  highest  and  best,  has  won  our 
deepest  respect,  and  to  the  loyalty  of  such  a  life  we  are 
glad  to  give  recognition. 

Words  fail  us.     But  be  assured  that: 

"Underneath  all  the  trials  that  bear  you  along 

Are  the  arms  Everlasting,  so  tender  and  strong, 
Then  be  humble,  be  patient,  be  willing  and  true. 
For  God  in  His  mercy  hath  watch  over  you." 

This  blessed  assurance  has  been  our  solace  when  we 
drank  deeply  of  the  cup  of  sorrow,  and  we  pass  it  on  to 
comfort  your  hearts.  May  God  bless  and  sustain  you; 
may  His  Holy  Spirit  inspire  and  strengthen  you  for  the 
duties  of  the  great  unrevealed  future,  is  the  prayer  of 
Your  Canterbury  Brethren  and  Sisters. 

My  schoolmate  when  a  boy  and  whom  I  have  known 


i<J9  Elder  Daniel  Ontnto. 

for  the  past  fifty-five  years,  and  in  all  this  time  often 
meeting  him,  for  we  were  life-friends,  of  one  church, 
and  one  faith  and  one  baptism,  as  true  and  loyal  brothers 
devoted  to  our  cause  in  doing  good  for  good's  sake  only, 
our  motto  to  absorb  indelibly  in  our  character,  pure  virtue 
alone,  in  the  name  of  our  God,  our  Saviour  and  humanity. 
In  all  this  time  of  meeting  each  other  often,  we  have  had 
many  discussions  on  the  varied  subjects  of  life  and  its 
use,  never  have  we  departed  from  that  true  spirit  of 
brotherhood  so  far  as  to  let  one  unkind  word  pass  be- 
tween us,  or  even  to  harbor  an  unkind  feeling  toward 
each  other.  Though  differing  in  argument,  at  times,  on 
different  subjects,  at  the  end  of|  such  scenes,  we  would 
simply  as  loving  and  devoted  brothers,  agree  to  disagree, 
until  we  should  meet  again.  In  looking  over  the  fifty-five 
years  of  unbroken  friendship,  I  ask  you  to  excuse  the  fall- 
ing tear  upon  the  unsullied  sheet. 

Your  devoted  brother. 

Dr.  J.  R.  Slingerland. 

I  am  greatly  shocked  by  the  news  of  the  departure  of 
Elder  Daniel.  The  first  time  I  ever  met  him,  I  was  most 
favorably  impressed  with  his  character.  I  found  in  him 
a:  perfectly  gentle,  frank,  sincere,  honest,  and  the  most 
profoundly  religious  man  I  ever  saw.  Since  then  I  have 
been  in  his  company  many  times,  and  never  had  any  oc- 
casion to  change  my  judgment.  Indeed,  I  was  more  and 
more  confirmed.  In  the  long  drives  I  frequently  took 
with  him,  from  time  to  time,  he  would  unbosom  himself 
to  me.  In  him  I  found  a  rich  spiritual  mind.  In  his 
doings,  I  found  a  man  of  ready  sacrifices.  He  appeared 
to  think  for  the  welfare  of  others  and  but  little  for 
himself. 

Your  family,  Shakerism,  the  whole  world,  has  lost  a 
very  high,  refined  type  of  man.  While  thoroughly  a 
Shaker   in   faith  and  life,   his   great  heart  went  out  to 


An  Exalted  Type  of  Christianity.  i^ 

all  mankind.    Elder  Daniel  Offord  was  an  exalted  type  of 
Christianity. 

Yours  sincerely, 

J.  P.  MacLean, 

Franklin,  Ohio. 

Some  one  sent  us  the  sad  news  of  Elder  Daniel's  pass- 
ing on.  It  was  with  great  sorrow  that  Mr.  Stead  and 
myself  read  it.  So  soon  after  losing  the  dear  Eldress, 
the  blow  was  indeed  hard  to  bear !  I  remember  his  kind- 
ness the  morning  we  started  from  Mount  Lebanon  and 
his  parting  words,  "Peace  be  with  thee !"  I  can  see  his 
benevolent  face  now  and  remember  his  great  activity  and 
his  wonderful  executive  ability.  The  call  came  quickly 
and  he  was  ready.  No  laggard  in  the  Lord's  vineyard 
was  Elder  Daniel,  but  whatsoever  his  hands  found  to 
do,  he  did  it,  and  his  concise  and  descriptive  way  of  in- 
terpreting the  Lord's  word  was  remarkable. 

I  never  thought  of  Elder  Daniel  leaving  his  work  and 
place  in  the  world,  among  you,  for  many  a  long  year, 
but  a  wiser  than  we  has  decreed  otherwise.  He  was  a 
remarkable  man,  and  his  place  will  never  be  filled. 

To  your  whole  community,  to  each  one  individually, 
extend  our  deepest  sympathy  in  the  loss  you  have  sus- 
tained, in  the  death  of  dear  '£lder  Daniel,  he  of  the 
kind  heart  and  helpful  life,  and  his  example  should  live 
forever  among  you.  Two  dear  faces  we  shall  miss,  for 
genuine  kindness  and  love  for  all,  as  both  Eldress  Anna 
and  Brother  Daniel  had,  are  hard  to  find  in  this  age. 
With  love  and  sympathy,  as  ever  your  true  friend, 

M.  Louise  Stead, 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

The  hope  that  you  will  allow  me  to  tender  a  few  words 
of  sympathy  on  the  passing  of  your  dear  brother  and 
Elder,  Daniel,  prompts  me  to  enter  your  house  of  mourn- 


I70  Elder  Daniel  Offord. 

ing  to  join  you  in  appreciation  of  his  worth  and  sorrow 
that  he  has  gone  from  his  earthly  tabernacle. 

We  were  of  those  who  were  privileged  to  meet  the  Elder 
on  several  occasions  and  always  to  have  a  deeper  im- 
pression made  in  the  ready  medium  of  our  hearts  and  in- 
telligence 'by  his  genial,  wholesome,  manly  attitude  to  all 
|he  influences  that  bear  on  the  lives  and  activities  of 
man  and  womankind.  Whilst  experience  teaches  us  all 
that  no  human  creature  cannot  be  dispensed  with,  there 
are  times  when  we  feel  absolutely  at  a  loss  to  know  how 
to  commit  to  other  hands  tasks,  duties  and  responsibili- 
ties that  have  been  cheerfully,  efficiently  discharged  and 
bravely  borne. 

Elder  Daniel  was  the  living  example  of  pure  unselfish- 
ness. He  was  tirelessly  active  to  promote  the  comfort, 
happiness  and  spiritual  and  bodily  well-being  of  all  he 
came  in  contact  with.  He  was  the  ideal  burden-bearer, 
because  his  share  and  more  was  always  sustained  by  a 
nature  full  of  the  real  sunshine  of  heaven  and  a  heart 
that  ever  echoed  the  unsullied  melodies  of  paradise. 

He  has  gone  to  his  larger  work,  to  his  full  fruition, 
and  his  works  shall  follow  him.  Into  their  kindred 
elements  his  body  is  resolved,  but  he  lives  on  forever 
refuting  the  mistaken  assertion  that  "the  evil  that  men 
do  lives  after  them,  the  good  is  oft  interred  with  their 
bones."  Thank  God,  it  is  the  good  that  is  deathless.  We 
offer  our  love  to  you  and  pray  God's  blessing  for  you. 
Your  loving  friend, 

Walter  Grafton, 

New  York  City. 

To  me  it  seems  like  a  dream,  all  I  have  learned  to 
know  about  the  family's  losses,  the  past  few  weeks.  Dear 
Eldress  Anna!  I  cannot  mention  her  name  without  a 
feeling  which  is  at  once  soothing  and  saddening.  I  can 
see  her  the  way  I  have  so  often  seen  her,  at  the  table. 


Self-Forgetful  Kindness  and  Devotion.  171 

smiling  to  us,  her  comforting,  motherly  smile,  which  was 
more  than  the  brightening  up  of  her  very  characterful 
face.  In  the  meeting-room,  radiant  with  faith  and  en- 
couragement to  us  all.  In  her  work-room,  where  the 
last  drop  of  her  temporal  energy  she  converted  into 
something  useful.  Then,  in  her  room,  in  that  quiet  room, 
where  so  many  words — beautiful,  meaningful,  soulful 
words — were  spoken  to  me.  In  that  room,  where  so  many 
times,  hot  tears  of  strange  feeling  burned  my  eyes!  But, 
no!  I  kept  them  back  in  my  heart.  No  wonder  they 
were  running  freely  when  I  heard  of  her  departure.  How 
much  I  would  have  liked  to  be  there  when  the  last  tribute 
was  brought  to  her  earthly  image,  by  so  many  who  loved 
and  honored  her.  I  am  sure  Eldress  Anna  is  there,  where 
all  her  actions  and  noble  thoughts  have  led  her. 

And  Elder  Daniel,  that  tireless,  incomprehensible  man, 
for  whom,  so  many  times,  my  heart  felt  sad.  There  is 
not  one  inch  of  soil  around  the  North  Family  dwellings 
that  has  not  been  touched  by  his  busy,  light-stepping  feet. 
When  I  think  of  Mount  Lebanon,  Elder  Daniel  and 
Eldress  Anna  are  there.  My  mind  cannot  dismiss  them, 
cannot  take  them  away  from  the  family  to  which  they 
were  given,  heart  and  soul.  Please  convey  my  love  to 
every  one  in  the  family.     Always  your  sincere  brother, 

Peter  Neagoe, 

New  York  City. 

"I  cannot  imagine,"  writes  a  friend  of  many  years, 
"life  at  Mount  Lebanon  without  the  beloved  and  inspir- 
ing presence  of  Eldress  Anna  in  the  upper  room,  or  with- 
out the  self-forgetful  kindness  and  devotion  of  Elder 
Daniel  seen  and  felt  everywhere.  Whenever  I  think  of 
him  I  remember  some  new  direction  where  his  skill  and 
labor  seemed  indispensable.  How  pathetically  tired  he 
often  seemed  and  looked.  As  I  remember  it,  the  words 
of  the  poet  come  to  me,  'There  remaineth  a  rest  for  the 


172  Elder  Daniel  Offord.  , 

people  of  Grod.'  His  death  was  tragic  in  its  suddenness 
and  loneliness.  Yet,  I  can  think  of  him  as  saying,  'It  was 
just  as  I  would  have  had  it!'" 

Another,  a  neighbor  and  close  friend,  writes:  "Dear 
Elder  Daniel  was  so  sweet  and  so  helpful  and  devoted. 
I  am  so  glad  that  he  went  into  a  fuller  sense  of  reality 
and)  Life  through  so  straight  a  door,  that  there  was  no 
groping  in  seeming  darkness  for  him.  To  go  straight 
on  his  way  out  of  a  sense  of  health  is,  I  think,  a  better 
demonstration.  God  is  All  and  there  is  no  lack  of  any 
kind  where  the  full  consciousness  of  Him  is." 

"The  clear  impress  of  Elder  Daniel's  face,"  says  an- 
other, "from  which  shone  the  beautiful  light  of  truth  and 
purity  is  vivid  upon  my  inner  vision  and  will  always  re- 
main an  inspiration,  as  will  also  his  kindly  words  of 
welcome  and  farewell." 

And  so  another  spiritual  cedar  has  fallen  upon  Mount 
Lebanon — another  brave,  sturdy  hero  has  laid  his  mortal 
armor  down — another  great  moral  worker,  battling  for 
truth  in  the  army  of  Believers,  has  laid  aside  his  fleshly 
vestures  and,  unexpectedly  to  us,  put  on  the  garments 
of  immortality. 

The  unexpected  knowledge  of  his  sudden  departure 
startled — shocked  me.  And  in  the  silence  of  sadness,  I 
said:  Is  it  possible  that  Elder  Daniel  has  gone  out  of 
the  material  and  up  into  that  higher  realm  where  the  cold, 
shivering  touch  of  death  is  unknown — gone  to  greet 
Elder  Frederick,  Sister  Martha,  Eldress  Anna  and  other 
Saints,  to  joyously  mingle  with  them  in  that  perpetual 
Zion  of  progress  and  beatific  blessedness  that  awaits  all 
true  and  faithful  souls?  Ours  the  irreparable  loss,  but 
his  and  theirs  the  gain. 

Thin  is  the  veil  that  hides  the  faces  of  those  dear  ones 
from  our  earthly  vision.  And  yet,  there  are  rifts  in  the 
clouds  and  the  brilliant  stars  above  the  clouds  are  ever 


His  Soul  Was  Alive  With  Inspiration.      179 

shining.  Death,  to  the  really  good,  is  only  one  step 
up  higher,  and  though  grim  in  appearance  it  is  the  angel 
of  deliverance.  True,  our  tears  fall  because  we  are  mor- 
tal; and  yet,  on  their  crystal  surfaces  are  shadowed  the 
symbols  of  a  glorious  immortality. 

It  must  be  nearly  thirty  years  ago  since  Elder  Freder- 
ick introduced  me  to  Brother  Daniel;  and  all  the  years 
since,  when  I  have  visited  my  Shaker  home  at  Mount 
Lebanon,  no  warmer  hand  clasped  mine  and  no  kinder 
voice  than  his  breathed  to  me  their  greetings. 

He  is  not  dead,  but  has  just  passed  behind  the  veil 
where  in  God's  own  good  time,  he,  with  other  brothers 
and  sisters,  will  await  your  and  my  coming.  Let  us  con- 
tinue then  "To  run  the  race"  of  purity  and  peace,  with 
the  principle  of  all  things  in  common,  never  forgetting 
the  good  deeds  and  the  many  sacrifices  of  those  earlier 
souls  who  lived  and  walked  among  us  in  the  regenera- 
tion— a  real  present-day  resurrection. 

Elder  Daniel,  so  far  as  I  was  privileged  to  know  him, 
was  not  only  the  soul  of  energy  and  industry,  but  of 
moral  integrity:  though  not  possessing  infallibility,  his 
soul  was  alive  with  inspiration — his  intellectuality  was 
never  dull  nor  his  hands  idle.  Investigation  and  spiritual 
unfolding  convinced  him  of  the  grand  reality  of  a  con- 
scious intercourse  between  the  worlds  visible  and  invisi- 
ble, causing  faith  to  bloom  out  into  fruition  and  hope  to 
kindle  into  such  spiritual  fires  of  devotion  as  warmed 
the  Pentecostal  hearts  of  those  fathers  and  mothers  who 
for  years  graced  the  different  families  of  Mount  Lebanon. 

I  get  just  now  but  one  inspiration,  and  it  comes  almost 
with  the  potency  of  a  voice.  It  is  this:  "Continue — con- 
tinue, ye  who  abide  in  the  flesh,  unto  the  end.  Shepherds 
and  shepherdesses  from  above  will  watch  over  the  flock, 
shower  upon  them  numberless  benedictions  of  love  and 
lead  them,  one  by  one,  up  to  that  city  immortal  whose 
builder   and    maker    is    God.     Fear   not — trust— <ibide   in 


174  Elder  Daniil  Offoss. 

the  vine  and  await  the  coming  of  those  angels  who 
beckon  heavenward  and  will  bear  you  and  us  up  to  that 
many-mansioned  home  that  makes  radiant  the  heaven  of 
heavens." 

Deeply  do  I  sympathize  with  the  family  in  this  hour 
of  bereavement.  God  knows  best,  and  through  w»y« 
unknown  to  us,  He  does  all  things  wisely  and  well. 

J.  M.  Peebles,  M.  D., 
Los  Angeles,  California. 

THE  STRUGGLE. 

By  Cecelia.  DeVere. 

We  kneel  upon  the  threshold  of  our  grief, 
And  then  arise,  but  do  not  look  within, — 

We  ask  not  now  for  balm,  or  sweet  relief. 
We  strive  for  strength  to  life  anew  begin. 

We  ask  for  fortitude,  the  thoughts  to  meet, 

That  come  like  winter  clouds  to  spread  our  sky; 

We  brace  for  courage  that  will  not  retreat, 
Whate'er  realities  before  us  lie. 

We  lift  the  conquering  banner  of  the  cross, 
And  light  the  altar  lamps  with  hope's  new  flame, 

We  do  not  probe  our  sorrow  or  our  loss, 
Resolved  to  bear,  we  make  on  God  our  claim. 

And  if  we  weep,  like  pilgrims  on  the  strand, 
For  him  beloved,  who  crossed!  the  mystic  tide, 

Have  we  not  still  a  faith  sublime  and  grand, 
A  knowledge  of  the  power  that  will  abide? 

Have  we  not  love  for  dear  ones  gone  from  sight. 
Yet  near,  so  near  we  touch  with  wordless  prayer? 


A  Tower  or  Stkength,  A  Bulwark  or  Defence.    175 

We  do  not  dread  the  darkest  realm  of  night. 
We  know  God's  blessing  and  the  stars  are  there. 

For  him  who  was  our  star  across  the  years, 
Whose  deeds  like  jewels  on  our  pathway  shone, 

We  give  the  gentle  tribute  of  our  tears, 
And  in  soul  kinship  hold  him  still  our  own. 

Mount  Lebanon. 

Ill 
THiE  TWO  WITNESSES. 
By  Eldress  Sarah  Burger.  ^ 

GOD   has   always   had   His   Witnesses,    those   who 
dared   to  do  right   for  the  sake  of  right — men 
and  women  of  conviction.     Moses,  who  led  the 
people  through  the  Red  Sea;  Daniel,  who  defied 
the  king's  command  to  bow  to  other  gods;  Deborah,  who 
led  the  armies  of  Israel  to  victory.     Listen  to  her  song: 

"The  inhabitants   of   the   villages   ceased,   they  ceased  in 
Israel, 

Until  that  I,  Deborah,  arose, 
That  I  arose,  a  Mother  in  Israel !" 

Does  not  history  repeat  itself?  Know  we  not  those 
in  our  time  who  are  working  for  principles  of  right? 
While  few  compared  with  the  multitude,  they  stand  as 
a  tower  of  strength,  a  bulwark  of  defence  for  the  nation. 
Look  through  the  political  history  of  America,  trace  the 
men  of  action,  of  principle,  who  have  stood  and  cour- 
ageously summoned  all  their  forces  to  carry  on  the  right, 
until  the  right  prevailed.  Their  names  are  written  on 
the  walls  of  time,  that  all  may  read  and  learn  of  victory 


i^  The  Two  Witnesses. 

through  suffering.  And  the  women?  They,  too,  have 
advanced.  As  the  spirit  of  revelation  has  opened  their 
eyes,  many  Deborahs  have  arisen,  to  lead  from  bondage 
to  freedom.  While  the  battle  is  far  from  being  won, 
with  courage  and  fortitude  they  are  leading  on  the  op- 
pressed to  where  the  victory  will  be  greatest,  where  the 
enemy  will  be  met  in  his  own  vineyard,  planting  but  rtdt 
reaping. 

While,  in  the  natural  order,  the  nation  has  had  its 
leaders,  the  Shaker  Church  also  has  had  noble  men  aijd 
women,  who  have  stood  as  witnesses  for  truth.  Ann 
Lee,  the  Founder,  stood  for  the  rights  of  women,  raising 
her  voice  in  clarion  tones  against  the  oppression  of  man- 
made  laws, — the  first  fearless  emancipator  for  her  sisters, 
suffering  the  penalty  of  her  sacrifice  and  heroism.  Many 
have  there  been  in  the  Shaker  societies  to  stand  by  these 
principles,  women  and  men  who  have  stood  for  justice, 
purity,  peace  and  love.  Over  a  century  of  communism, 
and  we  can  look  through  the  years  and  see  the  beacon, 
started  on  the  hillside,  grown  into  a  searchlight,  sweep- 
ing the  valleys  and  mountains  with  its  glow,  revealing 
yet  greater  works  to  be  accomplished.  Jesus  said,  "Verily, 
verily,  I  say  unto  you,  he  that  believeth  on  Me,  the  works 
that  I  do  shall  he  do  also ;  and  greater  works  than  these 
shall  he  do,  because  I  go  unto  My  Father."  We  live  in 
the  faith  that  all  who  believe,  who  live  the  Christ-life 
and  do  the  works  of  their  day,  shall  give  forth  a  greater 
manifestation  of  the  Christ  Spirit,  ever  growing  in  the 
heart  of  the  true  Shaker. 

The  lives  of  the  Two  Witnesses  described  in  the  forie- 
gbing  pages  have  been  aglow  with  the  spirit  of  truth  and 
righteousness,  and  many  can  bear  testimony  to  the  sin- 
cerity of  their  ministrations.  Eldress  Anna  White,  a 
Mother  in  Israel,  treading  the  paths  of  progress,  break- 
ing down  all  obstacles  in  the  path  to  freedom  and  lead- 
ing on  to  victory,  did  her  work  with  a  courage  that  knew 


They  Worked  for  the  Eternal  Present.         177 

no  failure.  Elder  Daniel  Offord,  like  Daniel  of  old, 
feared  not  lions'  den  nor  fiery  furnace,  but  on,  on  with 
steadfast  purpose,  to  gain  the  goal.  Yea,  these  two  noble 
workers,  who  will  stand  before  us  as  monuments  of 
eternal  life,  were  true  to  principle.  Every  thought  was 
forged  on  the  anvil  of  truth.  Their  lives  bore  the  im- 
press of  the  spirit  of  Love.  Not  for  a  future  were  they 
working,  but  for  the  eternal  present.  If  to-day  bear 
manifestations  of  growth,  will  not  to-morrow  bring  fruit- 
age meet  for  the  Master's  approval? 

The  Psalmist;  said :  "The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in 
pleasant  places  yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage."  From 
childhood  to  youth,  from  youth  to  maturity,  we  pass 
and  repass  through  many  experiences,  pleasant  and 
painful,  and,  as  we  open  the  book  of  memory,  we  read 
many  lessons  learned  under  the  guidance  of  maturer 
minds,  those  who  have  gained  wisdom  by  sacrifice  and 
perseverance.  From  a  child,  I  have  known  Eldress  Anna 
White,  and  for  fifteen  years  have  been  closely  associated 
with  her.  I  could  stand  in  the  valley  and  look  up  to 
the  heights  where  she  stood,  where  the  sun  of  eternal 
life  was  shining  in  full  glory.  What  a  life,  what  a  charac- 
ter was  hers !  It  was  hers  to  settle  the  momentous  issues 
of  the  day  and  not  to  call  a  question  settled  until  it  was 
settled  right.  How  often  have  I  seen  her  pour  out  her 
heart  in  prayer  to  God  for  guidance,  until,  feeling  the 
inspiration  of  the  Divine,  she  gave  her  whole  soul  to 
the  work  before  her! 

She  often  made  the  remark,  "I  love  to  live!"  and  she 
did  love  to  live  and  she  enjoyed,  simply  and  heartily,  all 
sides  of  life,  in  nature,  home  and  friendship.  And  she 
will  still  manifest  that  life  which  quickens  into  immor- 
tality, for  hers  was  the  joy  of  the  Real  Life  and  of 
that  she  ministered  at  the  altar.  Having  partaken  of  the 
gifts  of  the  altar,  she  knew  how  to  meet  and  minister  to 
souls.    It  was  always  a  pleasure  to  her  to  throw  out  the 


178  The  Two  Witnesses. 

life-line,  and  never  a  soul  came  to  her  for  aid  and  sym- 
pathy but  received  it  without  measure.  It  mattered  not 
where  lay  their  path  in  life,  every  hungry  soul  that  cam'e 
to  her  was  fed. 

A  remark  we  have  often  heard  her  make,  "There  are 
more  Shakers  in  the  world  to-day  than  ever  before,"  re- 
vealed her  sure  reading  of  the  dawn  of  spiritual  truth 
in  the  understanding  of  men  and  women  of  all  creeds  and 
classes.  Glorying  in  her  faith,  she  claimed  all  good,  every- 
where, as  hers,  and  her  enthusiasm  for  truth  and  for 
the  spread  of  the  gospel  never  failed. 

Her  mother's  struggle  to  give  up,  first  the  husband 
and  father  to  his  higher  call,  which  she  herself  could  not 
accept,  and  then,  to  give  up  herj  youngest  daughter,  the 
gifted,  promising  girl,  yet  in  her  teens,  was  seemingly 
impressed  upon  her  own  spirit,  not  to  weaken,  but  to 
strengthen.  She  came  from  no  girlish  impulse,  nor  for 
lack  of  the  deepest  and  tenderest  affection  for  her  natural 
kindred,  nor  did  she  hesitate  to  renounce  all  claim  to  a 
large  private  fortune,  to  obey  the  call  of  the  Spirit; 
and  never,  in  all  the  sixty-two  years  of  her  life  at  Mount 
Lebanon,  did  she  fail  in  cheerful  obedience  to  that  call. 
When,  at  her  father's  death,  she  received  a  large  sum 
that  he  had  willed  to  her,  she  at  once  made  it  over  to  the 
common  fund,  and  her  joy  of  consecration  was  reflected 
in  the  bright  smile  with  which  she  would  sometimes  say, 
"I  have  nothing  I  can  call  my  own !"  Nor  was  it  an  empty 
phrase.  She  had  truly  sacrificed  the  wealth  of  the  world, 
in  all  its  forms,  for  a  place  in  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven, 
and  to  how  many,  many  souls  has  she  been  a  door- 
keeper in  the  House  of  God! 

No  one  standing  as  a  leader  in  the  Shaker  Church, 
with  an  eye  single  to  its  principles,  but  is  at  times  over- 
whelmed with  sorrow.  As  was  said  of  Jesus,  our  first 
Elder  Brother,  it  may  be  said  of  many  another,  a  man,  a 
woman  "of  sorrows  and  acquainted  with  grief."    It  was 


God  in  Humanity,  A  Womcing  Fo«ce.         ,179 

hers  to  know  the  truth,  it  was  hers  to  love  the  truth 
and  it  was  hers  to  live  the  truth,  not  in  the  shadow,  but 
in  the  sunlight,  that  quickens  to  eternal  growth.  "All 
souls  are  mine,  saith  the  Lord,"  and  the  saying  is  not 
without  meaning  to  those  who  dwell  on  the  spiritual 
heights.  God  in  humanity  is  recognized  as  a  working 
force,  and  in  the  darkest  soul  is  needed  only  the  vitaliz- 
ing power  of  truth  and  love  to  bring  forth  the  divine  in 
its  full  stature.  This,  Eldress  Anna  ever  sought  to  do, 
she  was  a  power  in  the  home  to  bring  all  souls  to  God. 
A  year  after  her  passing,  among  her  writings,  I  found 
this  little  verse,  written  one  year  after  she  had  been  left 
alone,  by  the  passing  of  Eldress  Antoinette.  It  voiced  my 
feeling,  showing  how  the  human  clings  to  the  human 
totich: 

"One  Year. 

"One  year  ago,  one  sad,  lone  year, 

Since  last  I  sat  beside  thee,  Mother  dear ! 

Since  last  I  clasped  thy  strong  hands  into  mine. 

Thus  far  they've  borne  me  safe  o'er  seas  of  time. 

Thy  voice  no  more  the  welcome  word  doth  g^ve, 

'My  <ihild,  come  home,  come  home  with  me  to  live !' 

When,  being  gone  perhaps  from  morn  till  night, 

She'd  greet  me   with   these  words  and  look  so  bright!" 

Eldress  Anna  so  dwelt  in  the  thought  of  life,  that  to 
her  there  was  no  death,  it  was  but  passing  from  life  to 
more  life.  Interested  in  all  the  movements  of  the  day, 
she  would  earnestly  say,  "Not  for  ourselves  must  we 
maintain  the  home,  promulgate  the  truth,  but  for  the 
rising  generation." 

Conscious  to  the  last,  her  mentality  bright,  doing  her 
duty,  giving  out  love  and  thought  and  care  to  all,  the 
One  Mind  shone  in  her  countenance.  She  planned  certain 
improvements  and  readjustments  with  careful  attention  to 


nib  The  Two  Witnesses. 

details,  looking  well  after  the  execution  of  her  plans, 
down  to  a  few  days  before  she  left  us.  We  sec  her 
clothed  as  with  the  sun  of  righteousness,  still  proclaim- 
ing the  message  of  eternal  truth  to  the  hearts  of  men. 

O  the  joy  of  that  glorious  life  was  won 

Ere  the  veil  was  brushed  aside, 
For  we  caught  the  strains  from  her  soul  of  love, 

As  she  sang  of  the  great  divide; 
And  the  music  that  rolled  from  the  inner  sphere 
Was  voiced  by  the  friend  we  held  so  dear. 

He  might  well  have  known  Elder  Daniel  Offord,  who 
said,  "Prepare  thyself  in  the  ante-chamber,  that  thou 
mayest  worthily  enter  the  throne  room,"  and  again,  "He 
who  lays  up  no  store  of  good  deeds  during  the  working- 
days  of  life  can  never  enjoy  the  eternal  Sabbath."  Quick 
and  alert  in  duties,  spiritual  and  material,  he  never  lost 
sight  of  God  as  a  sustaining  power,  he  realized  it  through 
all  the  walks  of  life  and  ministered  it  in  daily  living. 
Written  hastily  on  a  slip  of  paper,  we  found  his  words, 
"I  well  know  my  inability,  that  of  myself  alone,  I  can 
do  nothing.     Only  the  gift  of  God  can  renew  us." 

On  that  memorable  Friday  and  Saturday,  in  Bethany 
and  Jerusalem,  1900  years  ago,  the  little  band  of  disci- 
ples mourned  the  loss  of  their  Elder  Brother,  who  had  so 
unexpectedly  left  them  alone.  They  could  not  understand 
his  words,  "It  is  expedient  for  you  that  I  go  away," 
and  "I  will  send  you  the  Comforter."  They  were  slow 
to  realize  the  import  of  the  dawn  of  that  first  Easter 
morning.  To-day,  mourning  the  going  of  our  Elder 
Brother,  so  full  of  the  loving  spirit  of  Christ,  who,  for 
so  many  years,  has  given  us  the  bread  and  water  of 
spiritual  life  and  in  every  way  has  provided  the  comforts, 
conveniences  and  protection  of  our  home,  no  more  than 
those  of  old  can  we  understand  the  meaning  of  his  going 
or  see  the  light    behind  the  cloud. 


"Labor  is  Worship  akd  Praykr."  iSi 

From  childhood,  our  brother  aimed  high,  not  that  he 
always  reached  his  aim,  but  no  face  can  be  continuously 
turned  upward,  without  coming  into  kinship  with  the 
eternal  stars.  Many  words  might  be  said  of  the  ever- 
active:  self-sacrificing  kindness  of  our  beloved  brother  to 
all  about  him,  and  not  one  word  be  even  the  exaggera- 
tion of  affection, — it  could  not  be.  We  feel  as  the  poet 
said   of   the  outgoing  of   Abraham  Lincoln, — 

"The  Hand  that  reached  out  of  the  darkness 

Has  taken  the  whole; 
Yea,  the  arm  and  the  head  of  our  people, 
The  heart  and  the  soul." 

His  monument  will  be  a  living  one  in  the  hearts  of  those 
who  knew  him,  a  statue  carved  from  his  deeds  of  loving- 
kindness. 

Uniting  with  the  North  Family  when  but  thirteen  years 
of  age,  an  intelligent,  well-brought  up  boy,  keenly  sensi- 
tive to  all  spiritual  impressions,  noted  for  zeal  and  en- 
thusiasm, he  was  proverbial  for  always  obeying  to  the 
letter  the  command,  "Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do, 
do  it  with  thy  might."  Advantages  for  intellectual  cul- 
ture were  few  in  his  youthful  years,  but  his  natural  in- 
telligence, united  with  a  keen  desire  and  persistent  energj', 
overcame  obstacle  after  obstacle.  Conservative  in  ad- 
herence to  the  fundamental  principles  of  the  Shaker 
Church,  he  was  always  in  wide  sympathy  with  all  progres- 
sive movements,  material,  intellectual  or  spiritual,  espe- 
cially in  everything  which  lifted  humanity  nearer  to 
divinity. 

True  to  the  last  to  his  conviction  that  "Labor  is  wor- 
ship and  prayer,"  busy  in  the  fulfillment  of  duty,  the 
Angel  of  the  greater  life,  watching  over  him,  quietly 
took  from  his  hands  the  implements  of  earth,  laid  them 
aside,  and  bore  him  from  the  mortal  casement,  the  ban- 


iti  The  Two  Witnesses. 

ner  of  Excelsior  waving  over  the  past,  the  future  al- 
ready molded  from  the  virtues  of  his  past,  to  the  glori- 
ous triumph  just  begun.  Those  who  knew  him  best  love 
him  most,  and  we,  who  knew  him  for  many  years,  can 
justly  say,  "A  righteous  man  has  gone  from  our  pres- 
ence !"  A  child  in  the  home  thus  described  him :  "He 
was  a  dear  Brother,  He  never  looked  out  for  himself, 
but  always  looked  out  for  others.  He  himself  was  the 
greatest,  gentlest,  sweetest,  and  the  real  star  of  Purity." 
These  two  witnesses  stood  together  as  ministers  of 
light  and  truth,  and  they  will  still  minister  to  those  who 
will  stand  at  the  open  portal  to  receive  of  the  good. 
From  the  life  of  both  may  stand  the  message  written  in 
lines  penned  by  Eldress  Anna,  a  short  time  before  her 
ascension, — 

"All  radiant  with  beauty, 

All  rife  with  joys  untold, 
Is  our  home  of  peace  and  plenty 

With  its  blessings  manifold. 
And  the  greatest  of  these  blessings, 

Is  the  union,  pure  and  true, 
Which   kindred   souls  possessing 

Is  given  to  me  and  you." 


Princeton  Theoloqical , ,feminf,n[, ,,V,^,![hiii" 


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